Festuca thurberi, commonly known as Thurber’s fescue, is a perennial grass that is native to the mountainous regions of the western United States, including New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming, with its presence in Arizona being less certain. It typically forms dense tufts that can reach up to one meter in height, with a fibrous root system but lacking rhizomes. Thurber’s fescue thrives in cool, dry alpine climates and is often found in high-elevation meadows, forest understories, and particularly within quaking aspen communities, where it may become a dominant species.

Thurber’s fescue is valued for its ability to adapt to harsh alpine conditions and for providing forage for livestock, especially cattle, as well as serving as a food source for wildlife such as elk. Its dense growth habit makes it suitable for erosion control on slopes and disturbed sites. In cultivation, it requires well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. While not commonly used in ornamental landscaping, it can be a practical choice for restoration projects and naturalized areas. Thurber’s fescue is generally low-maintenance, but it may be susceptible to rust diseases under certain conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0