Rate and Pattern of Vigor Recovery in Idaho Fescue and Bluebunch Wheatgrass

Abstract

The rate and pattern of vigor recovery of protected individual Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis) and bluebunch wheatgrass (Agropyron spicatum) were studied for 5 years after heavy and extreme clipping. Bluebunch wheatgrass was not only more sensitive to clipping, but recovered vigor more slowly than Idaho fescue. Idaho fescue of moderately low vigor required approximately 3 years and bluebunch wheatgrass a projected 6 years to approach normal vigor. Recovery from very low vigor may take more than 6 years of protection for Idaho fescue and 8 years for bluebunch wheatgrass. Maximum leaf length can be used as a reliable index of Idaho fescue vigor. Flower stalk numbers combined with maximum lengths indicate vigor in bluebunch wheatgrass.