Tall Fescue

Schedonorus phoenix (Scop.) Holub

[formerly Festuca arundinacea (Schreb.)]

Grass Family (Poaceae)

▲▼ mature flowering plants

▲▼ mature flowering plants

▲▼ mature flowering plants

▲▼ mature flowering plants

Tall Fescue:

·         Cool-season, bunch-type perennial grass that spreads mainly by seeds and tillering (some varieties produce short rhizomes)

·         Commonly used in central U.S. as a lawn grass and as a forage or for hay

·         Many do not consider tall fescue as a weed due to its many agronomic/horticultural benefits—the main problem of it as a “weed” is when it invades natural areas, particularly prairies, glades and savannas (grass-dominated ecosystems)

o   Can alter habitat for birds and other species that need the native warm-season grasses for cover and food

o   Can sometimes be considered a lawn weed when other turfgrass species are the main intended species

·         Grows 6-12 inches tall (leaves only), with dark green medium texture leaf blades, that may remain green year round

·         Flowering stems are slender, upright, growing 12-36 inches tall, with loosely-compressed panicles

·         Found in almost all soil types, but needs good drainage and some water to do well