Idaho Fescue vs Sulphur-Flower Buckwheat - TreeTime.ca

Idaho Fescue vs Sulphur-Flower Buckwheat

Festuca idahoensis

Eriogonum umbellatum

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Idaho Fescue
Sulphur-Flower Buckwheat

Idaho Fescue is a native perennial bunchgrass recognized for its fine-textured, blue-green foliage. Its dense, tufted growth and deep root system make it drought-tolerant and effective at stabilizing soils, particularly on slopes and open grasslands. Its upright, arching form and dense clumps give it strong ornamental value in both natural and designed landscapes.
This hardy grass provides cover for wildlife and forage for grazing animals, while also supporting soil health and habitat diversity. Idaho Fescue is well-suited for erosion control, ecological restoration, naturalization, xeriscaping, and habitat enhancement projects.

Sulphur-Flower Buckwheat is a native perennial wildflower known for its dense clusters of cream to yellow flowers. The long-lasting blooms persist from late spring into summer, providing an extended nectar source for a variety of pollinators. The flower buds are often red-tinted before opening. As the blooms age, they shift to orange or red, adding seasonal interest and making them well-suited to dried flower arrangements. Its seeds are also eaten by birds, adding to its ecological value.

Depending on climate and conditions, Sulphur-Flower Buckwheat may be evergreen to semi-evergreen, or its foliage may turn red during fall. Its deep roots and spreading growth stabilize rocky or sandy soils, making it useful for erosion control. Exceptionally hardy once established, it requires little care and thrives in challenging environments, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens, naturalization, and ecological restoration projects.

Idaho Fescue Quick Facts

Sulphur-Flower Buckwheat Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 3a
Height: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Height: 0.2 m (0.5 ft)
Spread: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: clump-forming
Growth form: upright to spreading, clump-forming
Spreading: seeds - low
Spreading: seeds - low


Foliage: leathery
Fall colour: reddish bronze
Flowers: colour varies, typically white to yellow
Bloom time: mid spring to mid summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK
Native to: AB, BC
Other Names: blue bunchgrass, bluebunch fescue
Other Names: sulphur buckwheat, sulphur flower, wild buckwheat