Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) is a perennial forage
grass that is now found growing in much of the southern half of
Iowa. Its introduction was primarily for forage but is now also
commonly used in turf, athletic fields, and soil erosion
management applications. Tall fescue has a lot of favorable
traits. It is persistent, adapted to a variety of soil
conditions, is compatible in mixtures with other grasses and
legumes, can be harvested as hay or grazed, and has a March
through early November growing season, making it the grass of
choice for use in "stockpiled" or "fall-saved" forage for winter
grazing pastures. Unfortunately, much of the tall fescue growing
in Iowa contains an internal fungus called an endophyte that
produces alkaloids that can cause physiological problems in
animals eating the forage. Cool-season forage grasses, including
tall fescue, produce only one set of seedstems with their spring
growth. Clip them in late May or early June. Tall fescue is best
identified by stiff, dark green