Idaho Fescue vs Pinegrass - TreeTime.ca

Idaho Fescue vs Pinegrass

Festuca idahoensis

Calamagrostis rubescens

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Idaho Fescue
Pinegrass

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.

Pinegrass is a hardy, native perennial grass common in forested regions of western North America. It is an important understory species and is typically found beneath conifer canopies. Due to its spreading nature and ability to form dense mats that cover the forest floor, it helps stabilize soils and reduce erosion.

It provides forage for wildlife and livestock, shelter for small animals, and seeds for birds, playing an important ecological role in woodland ecosystems. Pinegrass is well-suited for ecological restoration, soil stabilization, and naturalization projects.

Idaho Fescue Quick Facts

Pinegrass Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 4a
Height: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Height: 0.8 m (2.5 ft)
Spread: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
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, clump-forming
Spreading: seeds - low
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low


Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB
Other Names: blue bunchgrass, bluebunch fescue
Other Names: pine reedgrass