Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF), likely a blend of modern cultivars like 'Rebel' or 'Falcon' series
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7 (Transitions well into Zone 8); excellent heat tolerance; good cold hardiness; remains semi-evergreen in mild climates.
About This Grass
A robust, deep-rooted grass with a rich green color and medium-to-coarse texture. It maintains its color well into the fall and stays green longer in the summer compared to other cool-season grasses.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width 4-10mm (medium to coarse); flat shape with a pointed tip; dark green color; rolled vernation; prominent longitudinal ribs on the upper surface; ligule is short and membranous; auricles are absent or very small/blunt.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (often reaching 2-3 feet deep); low thatch-forming tendency; moderate establishment speed; exceptional drought tolerance due to root depth.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; widely adapted to the Transition Zone of the United States
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with limited short rhizomes (in newer cultivars); forms a dense sod when seeded heavily
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to moderate shade (excellent shade tolerance for a cool-season grass); requires 4-6 hours of sun; moderate water needs; prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 3.0-4.0 inches; weekly frequency; fertilization 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually; requires biennial aeration; maintenance level: Medium.
Special Characteristics
High traffic/wear tolerance; resistant to many turf diseases except Brown Patch in high humidity; high salt tolerance; excellent drought avoidance.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides soil stabilization for slopes; low invasive potential in manicured settings; often blended with 5-10% Kentucky Bluegrass for self-repairing capabilities.