Festuca myuros, commonly known as annual fescue or rat’s-tail fescue, is an annual grass native to Mediterranean regions and temperate Eurasia. It has a tufted growth habit and can reach up to 70 cm in height. The plant is characterized by its slender, erect stems and narrow, rolled leaves. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, with the inflorescences being slender, dense, and spike-like, resembling a rat’s tail. The flowers are not particularly showy, being more functional than ornamental. This species is adapted to a wide range of habitats, including grasslands, roadsides, and disturbed sites.

Annual fescue is valued for its ability to thrive in poor soils and its use in erosion control. It is often found in urban environments, where it can colonize bare ground quickly. In cultivation, it requires minimal care, growing well in full sun to part shade and in a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained conditions. It is drought-tolerant once established. However, due to its invasive nature in some regions, it is not recommended for ornamental use where it can spread uncontrollably. It is invasive in Mediterranean-type climates such as California, where it dominates grasslands.CC BY-SA 4.0