Idaho fescue, sometimes called blue bunchgrass, is a densely 

 tufted, perennial bunchgrass 1 to 3 feet high, and is one of the most 

 common and widely distributed grasses in the 11 far Western States. 

 However, it is either rare or does not occur in the southern portions 

 of California, Nevada, and Arizona. Naturally with such a wide 

 range in distribution, Idaho fescue occupies very diversified habitats. 

 Forest Service collections show altitudinal variations from 800 feet 

 in Oregon to 12,000 feet in Colorado. Though it may be found at 

 any elevation between these extremes, it is most prevalent from 

 about 5,000 to 8,000 feet in Montana, 7,000 to 10,000 feet in Utah 

 and Colorado, and from 3,000 to 7,000 feet in California and the 

 Northwest. It grows on all exposures and under a wide variety of 

 soil conditions from clay to rocky, shallow to deep, and moist to 

 dry but is most common in fairly dry, well-drained, moderately 

 deep, sandy or gravelly loams. Exposed benchlands, hillsides and 

 ridges, parks, meadows, woodlands, and open ponderosa and lodge- 

 pole pine stands are common habitats. Its frequent associates in- 

 clude wheatgrass, bluegrass, brome, geranium, yarrow, and sage- 

 brush. A Forest Service officer has noted in the mountains of 

 Wyoming, that Idaho fescue seems to be replaced by needlegrass 

 (Stipa) as moisture decreased or overgrazing increased. 



Idaho fescue is abundant and sometimes the dominant plant on 

 extensive areas. It usually ranks with the choicest forage plants, 

 and in Montana and possibly elsewhere is, everything considered, 

 probably the best forage grass. However, it may not quite merit 

 first rank in palatability in some sections. It produces a fair 

 amount of seed of comparatively high viability and maintains itself 

 well on the range if given a reasonable opportunity. Idaho fescue 

 excels many of its associated forage species in ability to withstand 

 heavy grazing and trampling, although it will succumb to continued 

 grazing abuse. All classes of livestock relish it in the spring, as well 

 as later in the season where it grows on north slopes or in cooler, 

 moister sites and Avhere the herbage remains tender. Under such 

 conditions it is often grazed more closely than other associated 

 grasses. As the season advances the plants tend to become some- 

 what tough and harsh, and less succulent, with a proportionate de- 

 crease in palatability for sheep, especially ewes and lambs; to some 

 extent this is true for horses and cattle also. However, if more in- 

 viting forage is not available, livestock will graze this species 

 throughout the season and thrive. Moreover, the plant cures well 

 on the ground and makes a good or very good fall forage, being 

 readily grazed by all classes of livestock until late in the season, 

 while it also produces a good aftermath which is much relished. 

 When accessible it is also a good forage for winter use. 



Idaho fescue has numerous stems. The fine, narrow leaves have a 

 bluish green color which accounts for the name "blue bunchgrass." 

 Dried, stubby, straw-colored herbage from previous years usually 

 contributes to the compactness of the bunch and is generally 

 characteristic. 



