Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, highly adapted to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky 31 (KY-31), a classic, highly adaptable and durable cultivar known for its light green color and robust growth.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. Excellent performance in the transition zone where other cool-season grasses struggle with summer heat.
About This Grass
Forms a coarse-textured, upright turf with medium to dark green coloration. Height can reach 2 to 4 feet if left unmowed, but maintained lawns are typically kept between 2 and 3.5 inches. Dense growth habit when established from adequate seeding rates.
Blade Characteristics
Medium to coarse width (4-8mm), flat shape with prominent veins on the upper surface, pointed tips, medium green color, rolled vernation in the bud, small or indistinct auricles, and a short membranous ligule.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system going down several feet, providing exceptional drought tolerance and moderate establishment speed. Forms a somewhat bunchy sod compared to spreading grasses.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely naturalized and cultivated throughout North America, especially in the transition zone and cooler regions.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass that forms moderately dense clumps, though modern turf-type varieties can exhibit short, weak rhizomes to aid in minor self-repair.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Requires moderate watering once established, with high drought tolerance due to its deep root system. Prefers well-drained loamy soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height ranges from 2.5 to 4 inches. Requires regular mowing during active spring and fall growth periods. Fertilization needs are moderate (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually). Medium maintenance level overall.
Special Characteristics
High traffic and wear tolerance, good disease resistance (though susceptible to brown patch in hot, humid weather), good shade tolerance, excellent drought recovery, and strong erosion control capabilities.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for soil stabilization and turf. Provides moderate wildlife habitat and forage for livestock. Can become weedy in native prairie restorations if allowed to escape cultivation.