Festuca idahoensis is a species of grass known by the common names Idaho fescue and blue bunchgrass. It is native to western North America, where it is widespread and common. It can be found in many ecosystems, from shady forests to open plains grasslands. Description This fescue is a densely clumping long-lived perennial bunch grass with stems from about 30 to 80 centimeters in height. The stiff, short, rolling leaves are mostly located near the base of the tuft. The inflorescence has hairy spikelets which produce large awned fruits. The root system is thick and penetrates deeply into the soil. The roots have symbiotic mycorrhizae. There are no rhizomes; the plant reproduces from seeds and from budding with tillers. It is similar to, but generally taller and larger than, Poa secunda. Ecology The species can grow in well-soiled areas along with ponderosa pine. This is a nutritious and preferred forage grass for wild and domestic animals. Typical native grass associates in the far west coastal prairies are Danthonia californica, Deschampsia caespitosa and Nassella pulchra. It is a popular larval host, supporting Lindsey's skipper, sandhill skipper, Sonora skipper, woodland skipper, and western banded skipper caterpillars. Cultivars, such as "Siskiyou Blue," are produced in the horticulture industry for landscape design and garden use. References Notes C. Michael Hogan. 2009. "Purple Needlegrass (Nassella pulchra)" Globaltwitcher.com, ed. N. Stromberg Jepson Manual. 1993. Jepson Manual Treatment: Festuca idahoensis External links Grass Manual Treatment: Festuca idahoensis USDA Plants Profile - Festuca idahoensis USFS: Ecology Festuca idahoensis - U.C. Photo gallery idahoensis Bunchgrasses of North America Native grasses of California Grasses of the United States Grasses of Canada Flora of Idaho Flora of Oregon Flora of Washington (state) Flora of the Cascade Range Flora of the Great Basin Flora of the Sierra Nevada (United States) Flora of the Klamath Mountains Natural history of the California chaparral and woodlands Natural history of the California Coast Ranges Natural history of the San Francisco Bay Area Garden plants of North America Flora without expected TNC conservation status