About Festuca idahoensis subsp. roemeri (Pavlick) S.G.Aiken
This subspecies of fescue, Festuca idahoensis subsp. roemeri, is a densely clumping, long-lived perennial bunch grass. Its stems reach a height of roughly 30 to 80 centimeters, which equals 12 to 31 and a half inches. It has stiff, short rolling leaves that mostly grow near the base of the clump. Its inflorescence produces hairy spikelets that bear large awned fruits. It has a thick root system that penetrates deep into soil, and these roots host symbiotic mycorrhizae. The plant does not grow rhizomes, and it reproduces via seeds and budding tillers. It is similar to Poa secunda, but it is typically taller and larger overall. In ecological settings, it can grow in well-developed soil alongside ponderosa pine. It is a nutritious forage grass that is preferred by both wild and domestic animals. In far west coastal prairies, its common native grass associates are Danthonia californica, Deschampsia caespitosa, and Nassella pulchra. It is a popular larval host plant, supporting the caterpillars of Lindsey's skipper, sandhill skipper, Sonora skipper, woodland skipper, and western banded skipper. Festuca idahoensis subsp. roemeri is also a preferred host plant for many Castilleja flowers, including the rare Castilleja levisecta. In cultivation, horticultural producers grow cultivars like "Siskiyou Blue" for use in landscape design and home gardens.
