Idaho Fescue vs Yellow Hedysarum - TreeTime.ca

Idaho Fescue vs Yellow Hedysarum

Festuca idahoensis

Hedysarum sulphurescens

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Idaho Fescue
Yellow Hedysarum

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.

Yellow Hedysarum is a native perennial wildflower recognised for its clusters of bright yellow pea-like blooms. It adds colour to grasslands, roadsides, and open woods. It is also a nitrogen fixer, which helps improve soil fertility. Because of its deep root system, it contributes to slope and soil stabilisation.

The plant provides forage for wildlife and cover for small animals, especially its roots. Its flowers attract pollinators such as bees.

Yellow Hedysarum plays an important role in prairie and foothill ecosystems. It is well-suited for ecological restoration, naturalisation, pollinator gardens, and erosion control projects.

Idaho Fescue Quick Facts

Yellow Hedysarum Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 2b
Height: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Height: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Spread: 0.2 m (0.8 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: clump-forming
Growth form: ascending to upright
Spreading: seeds - low
Spreading: seeds - low


Flowers: creamy yellow, in dense spikes
Bloom time: late spring to 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 hedysarum, sulphur sweet-vetch, yellow sweet-vetch