Tall Fescue

Festuca arundinacea
Poaceae (grasses)


Height: 2 to 5 feet.
Habitat and conservation: 
Tall fescue and meadow fescue both occur in a variety of disturbed habitats--pastures, abandoned fields, roadsides, grazed woods and along railroad tracks. They do well on poor, acidic soils in open sunlight and where there is little competition from other species. They tolerate a wide range of moisture conditions, are often planted on levees and occur along stream banks. Where they grow in natural communities, they likely were spread by horses and cattle through manure.
Distribution in Missouri: 
Invasive. Fescue has been spread widely by cultivation throughout much of North America. These hardy perennials were introduced from Europe and are commonly sown for pasture and hay. They spread primarily by seed to form dense stands. When they invade natural ecosystems, they can outcompete native plants and are difficult to eradicate. As the density of fescue increases at a site, species diversity decreases, in part due to their release of substances that are toxic to nearby plants.
Life cycle: 
Human connections: 
Ecosystem connections: 
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