Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, highly well-adapted to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
'Rebel IV' or similar turf-type tall fescue cultivar; known for darker green color, finer leaf texture than older pasture types, and improved density
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9; excellent heat and drought tolerance for a cool-season grass; good cold hardiness down to -20F or lower
About This Grass
Forms a moderately dense, coarse-textured bunch-type turf with a bright to medium green color; grows upright to 2-4 feet if unmowed, but maintains well at 2-3 inches; upright leaves with rough margins and prominent parallel veins
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blade width (4-8mm), flat shape with pointed tips, rough margins (scabrous), medium to dark green color, rolled vernation in the bud, prominent parallel veins, membranous ligule, and small, blunt auricles
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system going down 2-3 feet or more, moderate to slow lateral spread, low thatch-forming tendency, moderate to fast establishment from seed, excellent drought avoidance due to deep roots
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and parts of North Africa and Asia; introduced to North America in the 19th century and widely cultivated throughout the US, especially the transition zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass with very short, stubby rhizomes that occasionally form a slightly sod-forming appearance when mature, though it primarily grows in distinct clumps
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade (more shade tolerant than many cool-season grasses); high water requirement during establishment, but very drought resistant once mature due to deep roots; prefers well-drained loamy soils with pH 5.5 to 6.5
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height 2.5 to 4 inches; frequent mowing needed during spring and fall growth peaks; requires 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year; low to medium maintenance level; infrequent dethatching needed
Special Characteristics
High wear and traffic tolerance, good recovery from drought via deep crown/roots, moderate resistance to major turf diseases, good shade tolerance, poor salt tolerance compared to warm-season grasses, excellent erosion control
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America; provides fair wildlife cover and erosion control; often blended with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass in turf applications; can be infected with fungal endophytes which deter insect pests