Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type Tall Fescue (TTTF), likely a modern cultivar such as 'Rebel' or 'Falcon' series based on blade density and medium-dark green color
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7; excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; good cold tolerance; lacks summer dormancy if watered moderately.
About This Grass
A robust, deep-rooted cool-season grass with a medium-coarse texture. Displays a consistent deep green color and remains green through much of the winter in mild climates. Mature unmowed height can reach 3-4 feet with an open panicle seed head.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width usually 3-10mm (medium to coarse); flat shape with a pointed tip; prominent longitudinal veins/ridges on the upper surface; vernation is rolled in the bud; ligule is short and membranous; auricles are small or absent (short ciliate if present); collar is broad and divided.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system, often reaching 2-3 feet deep, allowing for superior drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses; low thatch tendency; moderate establishment speed from seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; widely adapted throughout the United States, particularly in the Transition Zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with occasional short rhizomes; forms a dense uniform sod in turf settings through high seeding rates
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade (more shade tolerant than Kentucky Bluegrass); requires medium watering but has high drought avoidance due to deep roots; prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.0 to 4.0 inches; frequency should follow the 1/3 rule; fertilization requires 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually; medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance; high heat and drought resistance; resistant to most lawn diseases except Brown Patch in high humidity; good salt tolerance; capable of maintaining color under stress.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America; provides soil stabilization via deep roots; used in buffer strips for water filtration; can be competitive/invasive in native prairie ecosystems; often blended with 5-10% Kentucky Bluegrass for improved self-repair.