Rat's-tail fescue (Vulpia myuros)

Rat's-tail fescue

Also known as: Rattail sixweeks grass

Rat's-tail fescue (Vulpia myuros), originally from Eurasia, has become naturalized in the USA. It is found on waste ground, alongside roads, and in urban areas and invades arable fields and heavily grazed grasslands. It is regarded as a noxious weed. It gets its name from the seed head, which is long and thin like a rat's tail.

Scientific classification

Species

Rat's-tail fescue (Vulpia myuros)

Grasses, sedges and allies

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Annual

Lifespan

20 cm to 60 cm

Plant Height

5 mm to 2 cm

Flower Size

Yellow, Green, Brown

Flower Color

Semi-evergreen

Leaf type

Images of Rat's-tail fescue

Distribution of Rat's-tail fescue

Distribution Map

Vulpia myuros, a widespread grass, exhibits a cosmopolitan distribution, naturally occurring in a variety of regions chiefly within Europe, parts of Asia, and North Africa. Its reach extends to other continents where it has been introduced, including large swaths of the Americas, several areas in East Asia, and pockets in Sub-Saharan Africa. In certain regions of South America and Pacific islands, rat's-tail fescue is sometimes thought to be an unwelcome guest, potentially having an impact on local ecosystems. The plant's ability to adapt across diverse climates testifies to its ecological versatility.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Sandy soils and dry disturbed areas

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Care Guide for Rat's-tail fescue

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

Water: Native to the Mediterranean, rat's-tail fescue exhibits drought tolerance and requires weekly watering for optimal health. Thriving in well-draining soils, it efficiently utilizes moisture, necessitating proper drainage to avoid waterlogging and replicate its native conditions.

Pruning: Rat's-tail fescue features wiry leaves and rapid growth, requiring regular maintenance. Prune from early to later spring to prevent overcrowding and remove dead stems. Ensuring good airflow reduces disease risk, promoting healthy growth and maintaining rat's-tail fescue's aesthetic appeal.

Propagation: Rat's-tail fescue is a grass species propagated by sowing seeds in well-drained soil. Ensure even seed distribution and light covering for germination, maintaining consistent moisture. Rat's-tail fescue is adaptable to various soils, thrives in sunlight, and benefits from occasional fertilization. Avoid deep sowing to facilitate germination.

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Images of Rat's-tail fescue

Distribution of Rat's-tail fescue

Care Guide for Rat's-tail fescue

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