Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF); variety unknown, likely a modern dwarf cultivar due to medium-dark green color
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; good cold tolerance; stays green through mild winters.
About This Grass
A hardy, bunch-forming grass that remains green year-round in many climates. It features a medium-to-coarse texture with a dense upright growth pattern. When unmowed, it can reach 3-4 feet; maintained turf usually stays 3-4 inches. Colors range from medium to dark green.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is coarse (4-10mm); flat shape with a pointed tip; rolled vernation in the bud; prominent veins/ridges on the upper surface; duller green on bottom. Short membranous ligule; auricles are small, rounded, and slightly hairy/ciliate.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (reaching 2-3 feet); low thatch tendency; slow establishment compared to ryegrass; excellent drought tolerance due to root depth.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; widely adapted to the Transition Zone and North America
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); lacks significant rhizomes or stolons, though some newer cultivars have limited rhizomatous expansion
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; requires 4-6 hours of sun; moderate water needs; highest drought tolerance among cool-season grasses; prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 3.0-4.0 inches; mow at least weekly; 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually; low dethatching needs but annual aeration/overseeding recommended; Medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance; excellent resistance to heat and drought; moderate shade tolerance; prone to Brown Patch disease in high humidity; excellent erosion control.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides forage for livestock; effective for soil stabilization on slopes; often blended with Kentucky Bluegrass (90/10 ratio).