Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF), likely a blend of improved cultivars such as 'Falcon IV' or 'Rebel'
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; moderate cold tolerance; semi-dormant in winter.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, deep-rooted grass that remains green in the cooler seasons but may show dormant brown blades in extreme winter or summer. It forms a dense, upright turf with a dark green color.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blade width (3-5mm), pointed tips, prominent veins on upper surface, rolled vernation, absent auricles, and short membranous ligule.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (up to 2-3 feet), low thatch tendency, slow to moderate establishment from seed, excellent drought avoidance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; now dominant in the Transition Zone of the United States
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with short, occasional rhizomes; non-spreading mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to moderate shade (4-6 hours minimum); moderate water needs but can survive drought by going dormant or tapping deep water.
Mowing & Maintenance
2.5 to 4.0 inches height; 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually; low to medium maintenance; requires periodic overseeding.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance, excellent shade tolerance compared to other lawn grasses, high disease resistance (Brown Patch is primary concern), and salt tolerant.
Ecological Information
Introduced species; provides soil stabilization for slopes; low wildlife value in mowed lawns but provides cover if left tall.