To Grass Species

Rough Fescue (Festuca scabrella) 

Plant Species
From Montana Interagency Plant Materials Handbook *
 By S. Smoliak, R.L. Ditterline, J.D. Scheetz, L.K. Holzworth, J.R. Sims, L.E. Wiesner, D.E. Baldridge, and G.L. Tibke

Rough fescue is a native, perennial bunchgrass of the mountains, foot-hills and northern prairie. In Montana, it is found in the foothills and prairies along the east slope of the Rockies and in the mountain grasslands of the western part of the state. It is considered the highest-producing, native bunchgrass in the mountain grasslands.

Description

Rough fescue is densely tufted, often as large tussocks, averaging 12 to 14 inches in diameter, sometimes as large as 2 feet. The old basal sheaths persist, often covering the purple coloration at the base of the basal leaves. The basal leaves are firm, rough and tightly inrolled. The stem leaves may be flat, but are narrow. The seed heads are supported by long, leafless culms - often drooping at maturity. The panicles are 2 to 6 inches long with the branches solitary or in pairs, the lowermost sometimes in threes. The spikelets are four- to six-flowered. The midnerve on the back of the seed form a keel shape, terminating as an awn tip.

Adaptation

This grass grows at elevations of 2,500 to 10,000 feet on sandy loams to moderately-heavy soils that receive more than 13 inches of annual precipitation. Some ecotypes have been found growing in a 10- to 11-inch rainfall area in western Montana. It grows in open mountain grasslands, but at higher elevations can be found on the shady, north-facing slopes; while bluebunch wheatgrass and Idaho fescue will occupy the more exposed south-facing slopes. In some extensive mountain parks it may grow to the exclusion of other grasses.

Limitations

Rough fescue is not tolerant of any extremes in soil salinity or acidity. It generally requires moderate to well-drained soils, but is also not very drought-tolerant. This grass is very susceptible to damage from heavy grazing, especially during early spring.

Use for Hay

The large tussock habit of growth makes rough fescue difficult to mow, but because it makes such excellent hay for horses, it is often cut where it is accessible.

Use for Pasture

Rough fescue is relished by all classes of livestock, particularly horses and cattle. It is grazed during all seasons by elk, and is a key species on elk winter range. It retains a considerable amount of nutritive value after maturity. The snow trapped in the large clumps serves to moisten and soften the foliage, allowing good winter utilization. This grass does not tolerate excessive trampling, and because of its overall palatability, is very susceptible to overgrazing damage.

Seed Production

Rough fescue is a very erratic seed producer, both in native stands and irrigated seed production fields. Native harvests have been the source of the majority of the available seed. Cultivated seed production has resulted in average production of 100 pounds per acre or less. Seed production will best be accomplished in the mountain and foothill regions with climatic conditions similar to the species' natural habitat.

* The Montana Interagency Plant Materials Handbook (EB69) is no longer in print, but is available for viewing in
Montana County Extension Service and National Resource Conservation Service Offices.