Roemer’s Fescue

(Festuca idahoensis subsp. roemeri)

Roemer’s Fescue (Festuca idahoensis subsp. roemeri)

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Climate Requirements

Precipitation 30" - 80"
High Temp. 70°F - 88°F
Low Temp. 28°F - 35°F

Summary

Festuca idahoensis subsp. roemeri, commonly known as Roemer’s Fescue, is a perennial grass native to the Pacific Northwest of the United States, including Oregon and Washington. It is typically found in dry open woodlands, grasslands, and meadows, often on well-drained soils. This grass maintains a moderate growth rate and reaches a height of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) with a similar spread of 1-1.5 feet (0.3-0.5 meters). Roemer’s Fescue forms dense tufts of fine-textured, blue-green foliage, and its flowers are green or brown, blooming inconspicuously in the spring and early summer. The plant is not known for showy flowers but rather for its fine foliage texture and adaptability to dry conditions.

Roemer’s Fescue is valued for its drought tolerance and is often used in restoration projects, native plant gardens, and as a low-maintenance turf alternative. It is particularly beneficial for erosion control on slopes and is suitable for xeriscaping. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers medium to fast-draining soils, including clay, loam, or sandy types. While it is generally disease-resistant, overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 1-2 feet
  • Width: 1-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Native to dry open woodlands, grasslands, and meadows of the Pacific Northwest

Other Names

Common Names:

Scientific Names: Festuca idahoensis subsp. roemeri, Festuca idahoensis var. roemeri, Festuca roemeri, Festuca roemeri var. klamathensis

GBIF Accepted Name: Festuca idahoensis subsp. roemeri