Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season, perennial, C3 grass; highly adaptable to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue cultivars (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Falcon', 'Titan')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. Excellent heat and drought tolerance for a cool-season grass, well-suited to the transition zone, with good winter cold hardiness
About This Grass
Forms a coarse to medium-textured, upright turf with a deep green color. Height ranges from 2 to 4 inches when maintained as a lawn, but can grow up to 3 to 4 feet tall if unmowed. Displays good density for a cool-season bunch grass and maintains color well into autumn and winter
Blade Characteristics
Medium to coarse width (approx. 4-8mm), flat shape with a pointed tip, dark to medium green color, rolled vernation in the bud, prominent raised parallel veins on the upper surface, smooth underside, with a short membranous ligule and small or absent auricles
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (often reaching 2 to 3 feet or more), which provides exceptional drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses. Moderate thatch-forming tendency, medium-fast establishment from seed, and fair to good wear recovery via tillering
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe; widely cultivated throughout North America, particularly the transition zone and cooler regions, and parts of Asia and North Africa
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass that forms moderately dense clumps, though modern turf-type varieties can have very short rhizomes resulting in a somewhat tighter sward
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in Full Sun to Partial Shade (better shade tolerance than many warm-season grasses). Requires moderate watering once established; high drought tolerance due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained loamy soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height ranges from 2.5 to 4 inches. Mowing frequency is weekly during peak growing seasons. Fertilization needs are moderate (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually). Low to medium maintenance overall, with occasional aeration needed
Special Characteristics
High wear and traffic tolerance, good disease resistance (though susceptible to brown patch in hot, humid weather), moderate salt tolerance, excellent drought recovery, strong erosion control capabilities, and good ability to crowd out weeds when dense
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides moderate wildlife cover and forage value when grown in pastures. Excellent for soil stabilization and water filtration on slopes. Frequently used in grass seed blends with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass