Mountain Bunchgrass
Festuca viridula
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Mountain Bunchgrass (Festuca viridula) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Mountain Bunchgrass as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, CO, ID, MT and 3 more states
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Mountain bunchgrass is a compact native grass that forms neat clumps with fine-textured blue-green foliage. It stays relatively small and produces delicate seed heads in late spring and early summer, maintaining an attractive appearance year-round.
In an HOA neighborhood
Mountain Bunchgrass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
This grass provides nesting material and seeds for small birds and habitat for beneficial insects. The fine foliage offers cover for ground-dwelling wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Mountain Bunchgrass need?
- Mountain Bunchgrass grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Mountain Bunchgrass bloom?
- Mountain Bunchgrass blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Mountain Bunchgrass native?
- Mountain Bunchgrass (Festuca viridula) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Mountain Bunchgrass toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Mountain Bunchgrass as toxic to livestock.
- Is Mountain Bunchgrass HOA-friendly?
- Mountain Bunchgrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Mountain Bunchgrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz