2011-01-24_PERMIT FILE - M2011007 (12)

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ul"A %60.j N RCS Plant Fact Sheet ARIZONA FESCUE Festuca arizonica Vasey Plant symbol = FEAR2 Contributed bv: Upper Colorado Environmental Plant Center. Alternate Names Arizona fescue has also been referred to as mountain bunch grass and pine grass. Uses Grazing/Rangeland: Arizona fescue is moderately palatable to cattle and horses, and to a lesser extent, domestic sheep. In late summer the herbage decreases slightly in palatability. It has moderate grazing tolerance. It produces a large amount of forage and remains fairly green from spring to fall. The over-all forage value has been rated good to excellent. Erosion Control: Arizona fescue has an extensive root system making it a valuable plant for soil stabilization. It has moderate drought and shade tolerance qualities. Reclamation/Restoration: Arizona fescue has performed well on slightly acid mine waste sites in areas receiving adequate precipitation. RecreationalLResidential: Arizona fescue does not tolerate trampling, and will not withstand foot traffic. Arizona fescue can be used as an ornamental in landscape gardens. Status Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural Resources for this plant's current status (e.g. threatened or endangered species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values). Description Arizona fescue is a native, cool season, long lived perennial bunch grass. The plant has no rhizomes. The culms or stems can range from about i to 3 feet tall, clustered, pale blue-green, and are rough to the touch. Leaf blades are mostly basal, pale blue-green, 6 to 10 inches long, shaped like a string, and rough to the touch. The inflorescence is a panicle about 3-8 inches long. It has a deep, dense fibrous root system. Adaptation Arizona fescue is commonly found on dry, shallow, clay loam soils; however, it can also grow on loarns and sandy to gravelly soils. It most often grows in association with ponderosa pine at elevations of 6000 to 10000 feet and on sites receiving at least 10 inches of annual precipitation. It grows better on areas that receive 14 inches of precipitation in a year. It occurs from Colorado south to Texas and west to Nevada. Arizona fescue is moderately shade and drought tolerant. It has been reported to survive most fires and recovers quickly with monsoon rains in ponderosa pine forests of Arizona and New Mexico. Establishment It is recommended to fall plant Arizona fescue, unless irrigation water is available for establishment during early spring or at other times during the year. The seed can be drilled or broadcast. Drill seed '/4 to %2 inch deep in a clean, weed-free seedbed. Two to 9 pounds of Pure Live Seed per acre have been recommended for establishment under irrigation, and half this recommended rates for dry land plantings. For critical area planting 4-9 pounds of Pure Live Seeds have been recommended Wildlife Habitat: Arizona fescue has been reported to provide forage for deer, elk, antelope, mountain goat and bighom sheep. In addition, Arizona fescue has been reported to provide food and cover for a number of small mammals and birds. Management Control weeds and withhold grazing during the seedling year. Arizona fescue will tolerate moderate grazing, but stands will decline under close grazing or heavy use. Use proper grazing management to keep a healthy stand.