Rocky Mountain Fescue
Festuca saximontana
- Native to:
- Canada, Greenland, Labrador, Mexico, Russia, United States
iNaturalist: © rroutledge (iNaturalist #28774092)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Festuca
- Species:
- Festuca saximontana
- USDA Symbol:
- FESA
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Lawn Substitute:
- Yes
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Can resprout after fire; often increases in post-fire communities.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to rocky and sandy habitats
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; sow in fall or stratify for 4-8 weeks.
Pre-treatment: None required
Establishment: Seeds are stripped from stalk for cleaning. No temperature or germination rate provided in the protocol.
Source: npn.rngr.net
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Native Seed Group (seeds)