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, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
'Rebel IV' or similar turf-type tall fescue cultivars known for darker green color, finer texture, and improved density
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. Excellent performance in the transition zone (Zones 6-7) where summers are too hot for Kentucky bluegrass and winters too cold for warm-season grasses. Semi-evergreen in milder winter climates
About This Grass
Forms a moderately coarse, upright, dense turf with rich medium to dark green color. Unmowed height can reach 2 to 4 feet, while maintained turf sits around 2 to 3 inches. Exhibits good heat and drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses, maintaining color well into summer and fall
Blade Characteristics
Medium to coarse texture with blade widths typically ranging from 3 to 8 mm. Blades are flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface and a glossy underside. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Tips are pointed. Ligule is a very short membrane, and auricles are small, blunt, and clasping
Root System
Exceptionally deep, robust fibrous root system going down several feet, providing superior drought resistance, moderate wear tolerance, and good erosion control. Forms a moderately dense sod with low to moderate thatch-forming tendencies
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and parts of North Africa and Asia; widely naturalized and cultivated across North America, especially in the transition zone and cooler regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass with short, underground rhizomes that provide a slight spreading capability, forming a moderately dense, clump-free turf when overseeded properly
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun to partial shade (more shade tolerant than many warm-season grasses). Requires moderate watering once established; needs about 1 inch of water per week. High drought tolerance due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches. Mowing frequency is weekly during peak growing seasons. Fertilization needs are moderate, around 2 to 3 lbs of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft annually. Dethatching is rarely needed due to the bunch-type growth habit. Maintenance level is medium
Special Characteristics
High traffic and wear tolerance, good drought recovery via deep root system, excellent resistance to brown patch and other common turf diseases under proper management, good shade tolerance, and strong ability to prevent soil erosion on slopes
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for utility turf and pastures. Provides good ground cover and soil stabilization, reducing runoff and filtering water. Serves as a food and cover source for various local wildlife and birds, though turf-type varieties are primarily managed for landscaping