Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF) blend
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7 (Transitions well into Zone 8); excellent cold and heat tolerance within the cool-season group.
About This Grass
A coarse to medium-textured grass with a deep green color. It grows in dense clumps and is prominent for its upright growth and ability to remain green during summer heat compared to other cool-season grasses.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blade width (4-10mm), flat shape, pointed tip, prominent longitudinal veins (ribbons) on the upper surface, rolled vernation, short membranous ligule, and small or absent auricles.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (up to 2-3 feet deep), minimal thatch tendency, moderate establishment speed, excellent drought avoidance due to root depth.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; widely adapted in the Transition Zone of the United States
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with limited short rhizomes in newer cultivars
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; requires 4-6 hours of sun; moderate water needs but possesses high drought tolerance for a cool-season grass.
Mowing & Maintenance
2.0 to 4.0 inches (aiming for 3.0-3.5 in summer); mowing frequency weekly; 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft per year; low to medium maintenance.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance, good shade tolerance, excellent drought tolerance, resistant to most soil-borne diseases, but susceptible to Brown Patch in high humidity.
Ecological Information
Introduced status in North America; provides soil stabilization; frequently used in low-management areas for erosion control; can be invasive in native meadows.