Vulpia myuros, the annual fescue, or rat's-tail fescue, is an annual grass species of the genus Vulpia. It was probably originally native to Eurasia, but it can now be found nearly worldwide as a naturalized species. In the United Kingdom it forms dense, even swards of fine, hair-like stems in recently disturbed habitats, such as 3-10-year-old pulverised fuel ash. It is typically displaced by perennial grasses after about a decade.
Rat's-tail fescue is resistant to disease and generally not susceptible to many problems. When it comes to care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. Planted outdoors it needs only light watering, and larger plants typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be trimmed after they finish blooming. Rat's-tail fescue is appropriate for anyone with an outdoor space, such as a garden or deck, and does not need extensive gardening experience.
How to keep Festuca Myuros.
Light
Rat's-tail fescue comes from bright, open habitats and grows best in full sun. It can tolerate partial sun but favors direct sunlight for optimal growth. This plant, which can be annual or biennial, is noted for its sun-loving habit.
Temperature
Rat's-tail fescue can tolerate a wide range of temperature conditions, but its distribution can still be constrained by various combinations of moisture and heat. It grows best in warm summer climates with sufficient rainfall or irrigation. Extended periods of cloudy, rainy weather or prolonged high temperatures increase the risk of Rat's-tail fescue dying. In winter, protecting it from cold improves the plant's chances of survival.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Grass
- Life Cycle
- Annual
- Genus
- Festuca
- Family
- Poaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 5-9
- Mature Height
- 20 cm to 61 cm
- Mature Spread
- 10 cm to 30 cm
- Leaf Color
- Light Green
- Leaf Type
- Semi-evergreen
- Flower Color
- Yellow, Green, Brown
- Flower Size
- 0.51 cm to 2.03 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Summer
- Native Area
- Libya, Egypt, Turkey, Austria, Slovakia, Eritrea, Pakistan, Slovenia, Morocco, Croatia, Kenya, Uzbekistan, Russia, Iraq, Germany, Jordan, Romania, Belgium, Portugal, Netherlands, France, Tunisia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Poland, Armenia, Greece, North Macedonia, Ukraine, Lebanon, Serbia, China, Afghanistan, Syria, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Israel, Bhutan, Iran, Albania, Ireland, United Kingdom, Hungary, Algeria, Azerbaijan
Other names.
