Tall Fescue
Common Name: Tall Fescue
Other Names: Alta Fescue, Reed Fescue
Species Name: Schedonorus arundinaceus
Plant Type: Grasses & Grass-like
Family Name: Poaceae, Grass Family
Tribe: Poeae, Bluegrass Tribe
| Plant Facts | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Europe |
| Duration | Perennial |
| Season | Cool |
| Distribution in the U.S. | Throughout the country |
| Distribution in Oklahoma | Eastern third of the state |
ID Characteristics
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Field Identification Characteristics
Vegetative
- Dark green leaves with many obvious veins
- Hairy auricles
- Bunch grass
- Typically dead by the heat of summer; golden brown in color
Floral
- Long, narrow seed head
- Branching in pairs from each node
-
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
- Plant Height: 40-120 centimeters
- Ligule Type: Membranous
- Sheath: Glabrous
- Leaves: Basal and cauline
-
Floral Characteristics
- Inflorescence Type: Panicles
- Florets Per Spikelet: 4-5
- Glumes: Unequal
| Habitat/Ecology | |
|---|---|
| Soil Type | Various soil types if moist; best growth in silty, clay loam |
| Habitat | Introduced pastures and right-of-ways |
| Successional Stage | Early to mid, but can invade all stages |