Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, erosion control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; remains green through most of winter unless temperatures are extreme.
About This Grass
A robust, hardy cool-season grass with a deep green color and prominent vertical growth. It forms a dense turf when seeded heavily, though individual plants grow in clumps. It reaches 2-4 feet if unmowed, producing panicle-type seed heads.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse to medium blade width (4-10mm); flat shape with a pointed tip; dark green color; rolled vernation in the bud; prominent ribs/veins on the upper surface; dull underside with a clear keel; ligule is short and membranous; auricles are usually absent or small and hairless.
Root System
Extremely deep fibrous root system (often 2-3 feet deep); highly drought-tolerant compared to other cool-season grasses; slow to form thatch; slow recovery from wear due to bunching habit.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; widely adapted to the Transition Zone and temperate regions of North America.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); occasionally produces short rhizomes but lacks aggressive spreading capability.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers Full Sun but has moderate shade tolerance; requires approximately 1 inch of water per week; high drought tolerance once established; thrives in soil pH 5.5 to 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Typical mowing height 3.0-4.0 inches; frequency weekly during peak growth; fertilization 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually; low to moderate maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance once established; excellent disease resistance to many common turf pathogens; high salt tolerance; ability to remain green during summer heat stress; best grass for the 'Transition Zone'.
Ecological Information
Introduced status in North America; provides forage for livestock and cover for small mammals; excellent for soil stabilization on slopes; often blended with bluegrass to increase durability.