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Wildlife, Animals, and Plants
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Introductory
SPECIES: Festuca thurberi | Thurber Fescue
ABBREVIATION :
FESTHU
SYNONYMS :
NO-ENTRY
SCS PLANT CODE :
FETH
COMMON NAMES :
Thurber fescue
TAXONOMY :
The fully documented scientific name of Thurber fescue is Festuca
thurberi Vasey. There are no varieties or forms. Although
morphologically quite similar to the more northerly distributed rough
fescue (Festuca scabrella), Thurber fescue exhibits more prominent
ligules and statistically shorter glumes and lemmas.
LIFE FORM :
Graminoid
FEDERAL LEGAL STATUS :
No special status
OTHER STATUS :
NO-ENTRY
COMPILED BY AND DATE :
N. McMurray/May 1987
LAST REVISED BY AND DATE :
NO-ENTRY
AUTHORSHIP AND CITATION :
McMurray, Nancy E. 1987. Festuca therberi. In: Remainder of Citation
DISTRIBUTION AND OCCURRENCE
SPECIES: Festuca thurberi | Thurber Fescue
GENERAL DISTRIBUTION :
Thurber fescue is more restricted in distribution than most western
fescues. It occurs from southern Wyoming southward through Colorado,
southeastern Utah, and northern New Mexico [5,26,30]. Its greatest
development occurs on the Colorado Plateau.
ECOSYSTEMS :
FRES20 Douglas-fir
FRES21 Ponderosa pine
FRES23 Fir - spruce
FRES35 Pinyon - juniper
FRES34 Chaparral - mountain shrub
FRES44 Alpine
STATES :
CO NM UT WY
ADMINISTRATIVE UNITS :
BLCA ROMO
BLM PHYSIOGRAPHIC REGIONS :
6 Upper Basin and Range
9 Middle Rocky Mountains
10 Wyoming Basin
11 Southern Rocky Mountains
12 Colorado Plateau
KUCHLER PLANT ASSOCIATIONS :
K011 Western ponderosa forest
K012 Douglas-fir forest
K015 Western spruce - fir forest
K018 Pine - Douglas-fir forest
K019 Arizona pine forest
K021 Southwestern spruce - fir forest
K023 Juniper - pinyon woodland
K037 Mountain-mahogany - oak scrub
K052 Alpine meadows and barren
SAF COVER TYPES :
206 Engelmann spruce - subalpine fir
209 Bristlecone pine
210 Interior Douglas-fir
216 Blue spruce
217 Aspen
237 Interior ponderosa pine
239 Pinyon - juniper
SRM (RANGELAND) COVER TYPES :
NO-ENTRY
HABITAT TYPES AND PLANT COMMUNITIES :
Thurber fescue is a climax species in a number of nonforested and
forested communities. On grassland sites it often occurs as the climax
dominant and has been used as a series indicator. Common associates
include Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), Arizona fescue (F.
arizonicus), Parry's oatgrass (Danthonia parryi), and American vetch
(Vicia americana). Shrubland series using Thurber fescue as an
understory indicator include mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia
tridentata ssp. vaseyana), mountain silver sagebrush (A. cana ssp.
viscidula), and mountain snowberry (Symphoricarpos oreophilus). Thurber
fescue is also an understory indicator in bristlecone pine (Pinus
aristata), Colorado blue spruce-Douglas-fir (Picea pungens-Pseudotsuga
menziesii), and aspen (Populus tremuloides) series.
Publications listing Thurber fescue as a climax indicator are as follows:
Aspen community types of Utah. [19]
A classification of forest habitat types of northern New Mexico and
southern Colorado. [6]
Forest vegetation of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in
central Colorado: a habitat type classification. [12]
Forest vegetation of the Gunnison and parts of the Uncompahgre National
Forests: a preliminary habitat type classification. [16]
Grassland, shrubland, and forest habitat types of the White
River-Arapaho National Forest. [13]
A preliminary classification of the natural vegetation of Colorado. [1]
Sagebrush-steppe habitat types in northern Colorado: a first
approximation. [10]
VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Festuca thurberi | Thurber Fescue
WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE :
NO-ENTRY
IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE :
Although not highly palatable, Thurber fescue, due to its sheer
abundance, contributes significantly to the forage resource of many
mountain bunchgrass communities in the Colorado Plateau region [21]. In
its area of best development in Colorado, Thurber fescue forms dense
stands and often represents 53 to 94 percent of the total grass cover.
Dry herbage production on these sites is approximately 2,400 pounds per
acre (2,140 kg/ha); litter production varies from 6,000 to 14,000 pounds
per acre (5,350-12,490 kg/ha) [22].
PALATABILITY :
Palatability ratings of Thurber fescue vary considerably throughout its
range [13,21,29,30]. Thurber fescue is generally moderately palatable
to cattle and horses, and unpalatable to sheep [28]. Plants are
palatable into the fall, at which time snow accumulations make
high-elevation rangelands inaccessible to domestic livestock.
The palatability of Thurber fescue to livestock and wildlife in Colorado
and Utah has been rated as follows [7]:
CO UT
Cattle Good Good
Sheep Fair Fair
Horses Good Good
Pronghorn ---- Fair
Elk ---- Good
Mule deer ---- Fair
Small mammals ---- Fair
Small nongame birds ---- Fair
Upland game birds ---- Fair
Waterfowl ---- Poor
NUTRITIONAL VALUE :
Compared to associated mountain grassland species, the nutritional
quality of Thurber fescue is moderately high. The following percentages
of crude protein, phosphorus, and calcium for Thurber fescue at various
phenological stages were reported [17]:
Nutrient
crude protein Ph Ca
Phenological stage
flowering 9.8 0.19 0.36
seed ripening and dispersal 8.6 0.14 0.39
regrowth and dormancy 7.0 0.12 0.31
COVER VALUE :
The cover value of Thurber fescue is poor for pronghorn, elk, mule deer,
and waterfowl; and good for small mammals, small nongame birds, and
upland game birds [7].
VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES :
Little detailed information is available concerning the use of Thurber
fescue for rehabilitation of disturbed sites [8]. It preformed poorly
in Utah reseeding projects [29], but Welsh and others [30] indicate that
it may ultimately prove quite valuable in reclamation work. Thurber
fescue naturally occupies and stabilizes steep slopes which might
otherwise be barren or only sparsely covered with vegetation, and can
survive periodic low soil moisture conditions [22]. On sites to which
it is adapted, Thurber fescue generally spreads rapidly and is able to
persist because of its early and vigorous growth habit, abundant seed
production, and successful seedling establishment [22]. Thurber fescue
is recommended for seeding sites in the subalpine, alpine, and
mountain-brush zones [23]. Paulsen [30] reported 98 percent germination
within 21 days at 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 deg C). Germination is
typically enhanced following storage at 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.5 deg
C).
OTHER USES AND VALUES :
NO-ENTRY
MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS :
Thurber fescue is sensitive to heavy grazing and has been largely
eliminated from many sites it once occupied. Plants produce little
regrowth if grazed past the vegetative stage [27]. On mountain
grassland ranges in good condition, 40 percent utilization of the annual
growth of Thurber fescue is considered acceptable [27]. On sites
subjected to heavy cattle grazing, Thurber fescue is usually replaced by
Idaho fescue and assorted bunchgrasses on coarse-textured soils, and by
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) on fine-textured or compacted soils
[18,20,27]. In contrast, Thurber fescue typically becomes the
understory dominant in aspen stands where prolonged sheep grazing has
resulted in the decrease of preferred forbs and smaller grasses [3].
BOTANICAL AND ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
SPECIES: Festuca thurberi | Thurber Fescue
GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS :
Thurber fescue is a robust, cool-season, native, perennial bunchgrass.
It is densely tufted and produces thick mats of persistent, dried sheath
and culm bases [5,21,29]. Culms are erect and typically grow from 15.7
to 37.4 inches (40-91 cm) tall [30]. Leaves are scabruous and mostly
basal; heights range from 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm). On undisturbed
sites plants can form large diameter bunches.
RAUNKIAER LIFE FORM :
Chamaephyte
REGENERATION PROCESSES :
Sexual: Thurber fescue regenerates primarily from seed [21,27]. Plants
typically produce abundant seed which germinates readily. Dramatic
declines in seed production have been documented on mountain grassland
sites in Colorado following a warm, dry growing season [21]. Flowering
is enhanced under cool, moist conditions [21]. Although some autumn
germination occurs, the majority of seeds germinate in the spring soon
after snowmelt, when cool temperatures coincide with high soil moisture
conditions. Results of laboratory studies indicate optimal germination
occurs at 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 deg C); at this temperature, 98
percent of seed germinated within 21 days. Seed storage at 40.1 degrees
Fahrenheit (4.5 deg C) appears to enhance germination somewhat.
Field trials indicate that seeds germinate equally well on both bare
soil and litter. Seedling establishment is quite high following good
seed years, with increased survival under high moisture conditions.
Apparently Thurber fescue can survive low soil moisture conditions,
which spruce seedling cannot tolerate. Thurber fescue seedlings are
not, however, as drought tolerant as seedlings of Idaho fescue.
Vegetative: Vegetative expansion of tufts occurs through tillering.
Thurber fescue is capable of marked tiller production following
herbicide applications; incompletely killed plants were able to recover
pretreatment basal diameters within 4 years [21]. Tiller production
apparently increases under dry conditions.
SITE CHARACTERISTICS :
Thurber fescue is a mesophytic bunchgrass that is most common in
mountain grassland communities throughout the Colorado Plateau region at
elevations between 8,000 abd 12,000 feet (2,440-3,720 m) [21,26]. At
its lower elevational limits, Thurber fescue occurs with mountain big
sagebrush on drier sites and with mountain silver sagebrush on more
mesic sites at higher elevations. At its upper elevational limits it is
often contiguous with subalpine herbland communities. At intermediate
elevations Thurber fescue is a major component of an extensive mosaic of
nonforested communitites interspersed within aspen-spruce-fir forests.
Typical grassland sites include open parks, dry meadows, open slopes,
and broad, rounded ridgetops; open stands of spruce, aspen, and
ponderosa pine comprise the overstory of forested ecotonal sites
adjacent to Thurber fescue grasslands.
Thurber fescue is often locally abundant and sometimes occurs in nearly
pure stands on undisturbed sites. It typically occupies deep,
well-drained soils on xeric exposures. Although soil parent materials
are diverse, Thurber fescue appears to grow best on deep shale or
glacial till [15]. Plants usually occupy sandy loam soils but also do
well on heavier clay loams [27]. Site topography ranges from concave to
gently rolling. Thurber fescue grows well on steep slopes (up to 30
degrees) and stabilizes sites which would otherwise support little
vegetative cover.
Some common grassland associates include Idaho fescue, Letterman
needlegrass (Stipa lettermani), aspen fleabane (Erigeron macranthus),
beauty cinquefoil (Potentilla pulcherrima), Fremont geranium (Geranium
fremonti), and Kentucky bluegrass.
Elevational ranges of Thurber fescue in several western states vary as
follows [7,28]:
from 6,500 to 12,200 feet (1,982-3,720 m) in Colorado
10,00 to 11,100 feet (3,048-3,384 m) in New Mexico
8,000 to 11,000 feet (2,440-3,354 m) in Utah
SUCCESSIONAL STATUS :
Facultative Seral Species
Self-perpetuating stands of Thurber fescue are characteristic of climax
or late seral mountain grassland communities. Dense stands apparently
represent an edaphic climax in that soils typify a mature grassland
profile [21]. Thurber fescue is also indicative of climax conditions on
ecotonal shrubland and forested sites adjacent to Thurber fescue
grasslands. Thurber fescue decreases in response to grazing pressure.
It is apparently a component of early seral situations following fire
due to residual plant survival [12].
SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT :
Thurber fescue is well adapted to a short and cool growing season.
Plants initiate growth very early in the spring and produce new leaves
while still under snowpack [26], but growth is generally slow until late
June. The following phenology was reported for mountain grassland sites
in Colorado [21]:
leaf elongation early June to mid-July
flower development late June to late-July
seed maturation & early Auguust to mid-September
dissemination
FIRE ECOLOGY
SPECIES: Festuca thurberi | Thurber Fescue
FIRE ECOLOGY OR ADAPTATIONS :
The fire ecology and adaptations of Thurber fescue have not been widely
documented. They are probably similar to that of the morphogically and
ecologically similar rough fescue, which is well adapted to periodic
burning. (See rough fescue (Festuca scabrella) write-up in FEIS).
POSTFIRE REGENERATION STRATEGY :
Caudex, growing points in soil
Secondary colonizer - off-site seed
FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Festuca thurberi | Thurber Fescue
IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT :
NO-ENTRY
DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT :
NO-ENTRY
PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE :
Detailed information on the response of Thurber fescue to fire is scant.
Johnston and Hendzel [15] reported increased densities of Thurber fescue
4 years after a spring prescribed burn on a late seral aspen/Thurber
fescue site in Colorado. Thurber fescue is apparently able to recover
quite rapidly following herbicide applications. Research involving
herbicide treatments on mountain grassland sites in Colorado indicates
that partially killed plants are able to recover pretreatment basal
diameters within 4 years. Plants responded to disturbance by dramatic
increases in tiller production [22]. Presumably postfire recover of
Thurber fescue is dependent upon residual plant survival.
DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE :
NO-ENTRY
FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS :
NO-ENTRY
REFERENCES
SPECIES: Festuca thurberi | Thurber Fescue
REFERENCES :
1. Baker, William L. 1984. A preliminary classification of the natural
vegetation of Colorado. Great Basin Naturalist. 44(4): 647-676. [380]
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associations for the eleven western states. Tech. Note 301. Denver, CO:
U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management. 169 p.
[434]
3. Costello, David F. 1944. Important species of the major forage types in
Colorado and Wyoming. Ecological Monographs. 14: 107-134. [693]
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data as determinants of grazing periods on mountain range. Tech. Bull.
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Jr. 1986. A classification of forest habitat types of northern New
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Index
Related categories for Species: Festuca thurberi
| Thurber Fescue
|
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