Festuca arundinacea (coarse fescue, meadow fescue, tall ryegrass, Kentucky fescue)

description: evergreen perennial

place of origin: Europe

urban habitat: commonly found on roadsides, vacant lots, urban meadows, in compacted soil; drought tolerant, tolerant of road salt, can thrive in full sun or shade.

ecological function: disturbance-adapted colonizer of bare ground; erosion control on slopes; soil conservation; food for livestock; contains an endophytic, which in increases its tolerance of environmental stress and gives it a competitive advantage.

history: Festuca arundinacea was introduced into North America in the mid-1800’s as a pasture grass. It is a commonly planted grass on football fields and golf courses, and is a common ingredient in drought-tolerant lawn seed mixes. Many cultivars of this species have been created for agricultural use. It is found throughout the US and parts of Canada and is considered a noxious weed in California.

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