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Tall fescue, like other grasses, may be identified by floral parts (inflorescence, spikelet, and seed) or vegetative parts (leaf, stem, collar, and root). See Figures 1-6. The branched inflorescence is a panicle up to 20 inches long (50 cm). Typically, it is 4 to 14 inches (10 to 35 cm). Heads range from broad and loosely branched to rather narrow.
Seed Characteristics: Tannish-brown color, oblong shape. Its seed head is a panicle and the seeds are similar in size and shape to Orchardgrass. Most seeds have a prominent, slender, round and knobbed rachilla.
Height: 24-48 inches. Inflorescence: Open panicle; 5 to 9 florets per spikelet. Culm: Round. Leaves: Dull upper surface; shiny underside; veins distinct; auricles usually blunt and hairy; low ligule; cross section of leaf blade flat. Click to expand each image and scroll through the gallery.
In this video, you will learn how to identify Tall Fescue, Schedonorus arundinaceus. This video is part of the Grasses at a Glance series by Natural Resource...
Perennial, long-lived bunchgrass with short rhizomes; shiny, dark green leaves with prominent veins. Grows 2 to 4 feet tall in seed head stage. Tolerant of soil acidity, low fertility, and poor drainage, and relatively tolerant of drought and overgrazing.
Success in identifying tall fescue depends on being able to locate and describe several vegetative plant parts. A 10X or 15X hand lens can be helpful when looking for small parts that distinguish turfgrasses. The morphological features listed here are used to identify tall fescue.
How to identify pasture grasses: A list of common cool-season grasses with distinguishing characteristics and photos. Correctly identifying grasses is important for proper pasture management and to maximize yields and profits.At first glance, most grasses in the vegetative stage look similar.
