Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF) - unknown specific cultivar
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7; excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; remains green through mild winters; limited dormancy unless extreme drought.
About This Grass
A coarse to medium-textured grass with a deep green color. Grows in upright clumps and produces prominent seed heads on tall stalks if left unmowed (up to 3-4 feet). Known for high density and vertical growth.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width 3-10mm (medium to coarse); flat shape with a distinctly pointed tip; dark green color; rolled vernation in the bud; prominent longitudinal veins (ribbed) on the upper surface; small to absent ligule; short, blunt, or hairy auricles.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (can reach 2-3 feet); very low thatch tendency; moderate establishment speed from seed; high drought tolerance due to depth.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; naturalized throughout North America in Transition Zones
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with occasional short rhizomes; slow lateral spread, forms dense individual tufts
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; requires 4-6 hours minimum sun; moderate water needs but possesses high drought avoidance; prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 3.0-4.0 inches; weekly frequency; 2.5-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually; low dethatching needs; high maintenance level for elite appearance.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance; good resistance to Brown Patch and Leaf Spot; moderate salt tolerance; highest shade tolerance among common cool-season sun grasses; poor recovery from bare spots due to bunch habit.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized; provides cover for small mammals; excellent soil stabilizer for slopes; often mixed with Kentucky Bluegrass (90/10 ratio) for improved disease resistance and sod strength.