Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season perennial, C3 grass, widely used in the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky 31 (KY-31)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. Excellent performance in the transition zone where other cool-season grasses struggle with summer heat.
About This Grass
Forms a moderately dense, coarse-textured turf with an upright growth habit. Color is medium to dark green. Height can reach 2 to 4 feet if unmowed, but maintained lawns are kept at 2 to 3 inches. Produces an open panicle seed head at maturity.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-to-wide (4-8 mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, smooth underneath, and feature pointed tips. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is a very short membrane. Auricles are small, blunt, and clasping.
Root System
Extremely deep root system, often reaching 2 to 3 feet or more into the soil profile, providing excellent drought avoidance. Moderate to low thatch-forming tendency. Fast to moderate establishment from seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely cultivated throughout the United States, especially in the transition zone and cooler regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass that can form a somewhat uniform turf when planted densely, though modern turf-type varieties have limited lateral spreading via short rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Requires moderate watering once established, but has superior drought tolerance among cool-season grasses due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 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 per year). Maintenance level is medium.
Special Characteristics
High wear and traffic tolerance, good heat and drought tolerance for a cool-season grass, moderate shade tolerance. Susceptible to brown patch disease in hot, humid weather. Excellent for erosion control.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely naturalized. Provides good ground cover and soil stabilization. Pasture varieties often contain an endophytic fungus that deters insect herbivores but can be toxic to livestock if unmanaged.