Schedonorus

Schedonorus is a genus of grasses in the family Poaceae. Its circumscription varies among plant taxonomy systems; some classifications recognize Schedonorus as distinct and include tall fescue and related taxa, while others place these species in Festuca or Lolium. Because of this variability, species names associated with Schedonorus appear under different genera depending on the treatment, with tall fescue often cited as Festuca arundinacea or Lolium arundinaceum in alternative classifications, and as Schedonorus arundinaceus in systems that maintain the genus.

The best-known member is tall fescue, a perennial bunchgrass widely cultivated for forage and turf. Tall fescue is valued for its deep rooting system, tolerance of drought and cold, and adaptability to a range of soils. In addition to tall fescue, the genus (where recognized) generally includes other fescue relatives, though many of these are more commonly treated in Festuca in various taxonomic treatments.

Distribution and habitat typically include temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and adjacent areas, with the cultivated varieties naturalizing in other temperate zones around the world. Fescues, including those assigned to Schedonorus in some classifications, prefer well-drained soils and are used in pastures, hay production, erosion control, and turfgrass applications such as lawns and sports fields. In turf and forage contexts, some tall fescue varieties are associated with endophyte fungi, which can influence palatability and animal health.

Overall, Schedonorus represents a classification that reflects ongoing debates about the boundaries between Festuca, Lolium, and related fescue grasses rather than a fixed, universally accepted grouping.