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Description
Alopecurus Arundinaceus, also known as Tall Fescue Grass, is a cool-season perennial grass that is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It is commonly used for turf and forage because of its high tolerance for drought, cold, and shade. Its root system is deep and fibrous, which makes it highly resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stressors.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Alopecurus |
Appearance
The Tall Fescue Grass has a height range of 2 to 4 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. Its leaves are dark green, coarse, and flat with prominent veins. The leaf blades can reach a length of 30 centimeters and a width of 3 to 6 millimeters. The inflorescence is a dense, cylindrical panicle that can reach a height of 20 to 30 centimeters. The spikelets are 4 to 6 millimeters long with awns that are 4 to 8 millimeters long.
Care Guide
Water: The Tall Fescue Grass needs to be watered regularly, especially during the hot summer months. It requires about 1 inch of water per week, either from precipitation or irrigation.
Fertilization: It is recommended to fertilize the Tall Fescue Grass in the spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The recommended rate is 2 to 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet per year.
Soil: The Tall Fescue Grass prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH, from 5.5 to 7.5.
Sunlight: The Tall Fescue Grass can grow in full sun to partial shade. However, it performs best in partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Hardiness Zones: The Tall Fescue Grass can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Tall Fescue Grass is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can still be affected by some common pests such as armyworms, cutworms, and white grubs. Some common diseases that can affect the Tall Fescue Grass are brown patch, dollar spot, and leaf spot.
Habitat
The Tall Fescue Grass is commonly found in open fields, pastures, and meadows. It can also be used for erosion control and reclamation of disturbed sites. It prefers cool and moist climates and can grow in a wide range of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Tall Fescue Grass drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, Tall Fescue Grass has a high tolerance for drought and can survive long periods of dry weather.
Q: How often should I mow Tall Fescue Grass?
A: It is recommended to mow Tall Fescue Grass every 7 to 10 days during the growing season. The ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 3 inches.
Q: Can Tall Fescue Grass grow in sandy soil?
A: Yes, Tall Fescue Grass can grow in sandy soil as long as it is well-drained and has sufficient organic matter.
Q: Can I use Tall Fescue Grass for hay production?
A: Yes, Tall Fescue Grass can be used for hay production because of its high yield and nutritional value.
Related Plants
- Alopecurus Geniculatus
- Alopecurus Myosuroides
- Alopecurus Pratensis
- Alopecurus Scribnerianus
References
- USDA Plants Database. (2021). Alopecurus arundinaceus. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ALAR5
- University of Missouri Extension. (n.d.). Tall Fescue. Retrieved from https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g4510
- North Carolina State University. (n.d.). Tall Fescue. Retrieved from https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/tall-fescue
