Tall Fescue

Tall Fescue

Schedonorus phoenix (Scop.) Holub
[formerly Festuca arundinacea (Schreb.)]

Grass Family (Poaceae)

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