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Submit a photoRough Fescue
Festuca campestris
The keystone grass of Alberta's Foothills Fescue and Montane grasslands — a long-lived cool-season bunchgrass that formed the backbone of the bison-era prairie. Dense upright clumps of blue-green blades cure to a rich russet in winter and remain nutritious for grazers year-round. Exceptionally drought-tolerant and fire-adapted. Threatened by cultivation and invasive species across much of its former range.
Quick Facts
Distribution
Foothills & Montane grasslands, S & Central AB, Zone 3
Light
Full sun
Bloom Time
June–July
Soil
Well-drained loams, sandy loams, rocky slopes
Water
Low — drought-tolerant
Growing & Cultivation
Propagation
Seed germinates without stratification but establishment is slow — seedlings face stiff competition. Division of mature clumps is often more reliable. Locally-sourced seed strongly preferred; ecotypes are regionally adapted.
