Idaho Fescue vs Tufted Hairgrass - TreeTime.ca

Idaho Fescue vs Tufted Hairgrass

Festuca idahoensis

Deschampsia cespitosa

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Idaho Fescue
Tufted Hairgrass

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.

Tufted Hairgrass is a native perennial bunchgrass that forms dense clumps of dark green foliage. It produces tall, wispy seed heads in late spring and early summer, adding height and texture to the landscape. Its tidy, clump-forming habit and ornamental appeal make it well suited to smaller gardens and yards.

Tufted Hairgrass is a cool-season grass that grows most actively during the cooler parts of the growing season: spring and fall. Its adaptability allows it to establish across a range of sites, while its dense, fibrous root system helps stabilize soil. It is well suited to rangeland and prairie restoration, naturalization, erosion control, and revegetation projects.

Idaho Fescue Quick Facts

Tufted Hairgrass Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 1b
Height: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 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: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: clump-forming
Growth form: clump forming
Spreading: seeds - low
Spreading: seeds - low


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


Native to: AB, BC, SK
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: blue bunchgrass, bluebunch fescue
Other Names: hassock grass, tufted hair grass, tussock grass