Festuca myuros
Synonyms: Vulpia myuros
Common names: rat-tail fescue; red-tailed fescue; sixweeksgrass; zorro annual fescue
Festuca myuros (rat-tail fescue) is an annual grass (family Poaceae), probably originally from Eurasia and currently widely distributed in California and around the world. It has very narrow leaves and an inflorescence that resembles a rat’s tail. Its inflorescence has branches that are erect, rather than reflexed like its native counterpart, Festuca microstachys. The lowest glume of each spikelet is also small, typically < 2mm. This species is one of many introduced annual grasses that competes with and reduces habitat for native grassland species and increases fire risk. Festuca myuros has been implicated in affecting native vegetation less frequently than several other non-native annual grasses, in part because of its smaller stature. A non-native sister species, Festuca bromoides, is very similar in habit but has not yet been reviewed for the inventory.
Cal-IPC Rating: Moderate?CDFA Rating: None?
Assessment(s)
Festuca myuros Plant Assessment Form - Information gathered by Cal-IPC on the impacts, rate of spread, and distribution of invasive plants in California. Does not include management information.
Weed Management Notes
No Weed RIC Management Notes are available for this species. Check for information on other species in the genus on the Weed RIC site.Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles
- Jepson Manual 2nd ed. invasive plant name changes. Brusati, Elizabeth. Vol 20, Issue 2
- Exploring alternative methods for vegetation control and maintenance along roadsides. Young, Steve L.. Vol 10, Issue 4
Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations
Presentations are linked where available. Where a presentation is not available, find more information by reading the abstract in the Cal-IPC Symposia Archive.
- Integrating prescribed fire and grass specific herbicides: a strategy for annual wildflower restoration. Berry, Christopher (2025)
Other Festuca myuros Information
- CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.
- Calflora - Distribution map and records of this species in California.
- EDDMapS - Distribution of this species in North America.
- Jepson Interchange - Information on this plant's taxonomy, biology, and distribution from UC Berkeley's Jepson Herbarium.
- USDA PLANTS Database - Information on identification and distribution, with links to websites in individual states.
Additional photos
