Alaska Fescue

Festuca brevissima

Native to:
Canada, Kuril Is., Russia, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Festuca
Species:
Festuca brevissima
USDA Symbol:
FEBR2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
15 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Great Basin fritillary (Speyeria egleis), Nevada skipper (Hesperia nevada)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from base following fire; typical of alpine/subalpine bunchgrasses.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to alpine and subalpine regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Source: Claude AI