'Siskiyou Blue' Idaho Fescue

'Siskiyou Blue' Idaho Fescue (Festuca idahoensis 'Siskiyou Blue') is a cultivated graceful, fine-textured bunchgrass bred from the native Idaho Fescue of the western United States. Its slender, blue-green blades form tidy clumps that bring a soft, natural elegance to gardens and landscapes. This cool-season grass thrives in a variety of settings, from open meadows to forested slopes, and is particularly well-suited for erosion control on hillsides and disturbed soils.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Idaho Fescue plays a vital ecological role. It serves as a larval host for several skipper butterfly species and provides forage for wildlife, including elk and deer. Its adaptability to different soil types and moderate drought tolerance make it a reliable choice for sustainable landscaping. Whether used in native plant gardens, restoration projects, or as an ornamental accent, Idaho Fescue offers both beauty and environmental benefits.

For those seeking a more ornamental flair, this ‘Siskiyou Blue’ cultivar offers a striking variation on the native Idaho Fescue. Selected for its vivid silvery-blue foliage, this cultivar maintains the same tidy clumping habit but with an especially bold, cool-toned color that stands out in modern and xeric landscapes. It thrives in full sun, requires little maintenance, and contrasts beautifully with warm-toned wildflowers.