Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Pasture/Forage and Utility Turf
Variety / Cultivar
Unknown (likely common forage type or older 'Kentucky 31' based on coarse texture in mixed pasture setting)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7; highly successful in the 'Transition Zone' where heat is too intense for Bluegrass and cold is too harsh for Bermuda.
About This Grass
A robust, upright grass forming dense clumps. In the provided image, it appears integrated with White Clover (Trifolium repens). If left unmowed, it can reach 3-4 feet. It maintains a medium-to-dark green color and has a coarse texture compared to fine fescues.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades (5-10mm width), prominently veined on the upper surface with a dull underside. Tips are pointed (not boat-shaped). Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligules are short and membranous; auricles are small and typically 'ciliate' (having tiny hairs).
Root System
Deep fibrous root system, often reaching 2-3 feet in depth. High establishment speed from seed. Low thatch-forming tendency since it lacks extensive stolons/rhizomes.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; widely naturalized across North America, particularly in the Transition Zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); very limited rhizomatous activity in some newer cultivars but primarily expands via tillering
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun but has moderate shade tolerance. High water requirement for peak performance, though its deep roots provide excellent drought avoidance compared to other cool-season grasses.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height for turf is 3-4 inches; for pasture, it varies by grazing rotation. Maintenance level is low to medium. Requires 2-4 lbs of nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually in managed turf.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance due to tough, lignified leaf tissues. Excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass. Resistant to most common pests, though susceptible to Brown Patch (Rhizoctonia) in humid heat.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Invasive in some native prairie contexts. Excellent for soil stabilization and erosion control. Often contains endophytes (fungi) that provide insect resistance but can be toxic to some livestock if non-endophyte-free varieties are used.