Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; has high heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; winter hardy but can suffer in extreme northern climates.
About This Grass
Strong, upright growth with wide blades. Deep green color typically maintained through winter in transition zones. Forms a dense, coarse-textured mat. Seed heads are open panicles common in unmowed conditions.
Blade Characteristics
Width: 3-8mm (medium to coarse). Shape: Flat with prominent longitudinal veins. Tip: Pointed. Vernation: Rolled in the bud. Ligule: Short, membranous (0.5mm). Auricles: Small or absent.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (up to 2-3 feet); low thatch tendency; moderate establishment speed; excellent drought tolerance due to depth.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; widely naturalized in North America and temperate regions worldwide.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); occasionally short rhizomes in newer cultivars.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers 4-6 hours of sun; moderate water needs but possesses high drought resistance once established.
Mowing & Maintenance
Height: 3.0-4.0 inches; frequency: weekly during peak growth; fertilization: 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year; low to medium maintenance.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance; high resistance to heat and drought; moderate shade tolerance; susceptible to Brown Patch in high humidity.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America; provides soil stabilization on slopes; often contains endophytes that provide natural insect resistance.