Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season perennial grass, C3 photosynthetic pathway, highly adapted to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue (TTTF) varieties such as 'Rebel IV', 'Titan', or 'Biltmore'
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 7, tolerates the heat and humidity of the transition zone well, and withstands cold winters with good dormancy behavior.
About This Grass
Forms a dense, deep green turf with a medium to coarse texture when mature. When unmowed, it can reach heights of 2 to 4 feet with open, panicle-type seed heads. Maintains good color through moderate stress periods.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium to coarse in width (approx. 4-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, and feature a pointed tip. Vernation is rolled in the bud. The ligule is a very short membrane, and auricles are absent or blunt.
Root System
Extremely deep root system, often penetrating 2 to 3 feet or more into the soil profile. Provides exceptional drought avoidance capabilities, moderate thatch tendency, and fast seedling establishment relative to some other cool-season grasses.
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 humid regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass with short, underground rhizomes that can form a moderately dense turf over time, though it primarily grows in clumps
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun but exhibits better shade tolerance than Kentucky Bluegrass or perennial ryegrass. Requires moderate watering once established due to deep roots, and prefers well-drained loamy soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height ranges from 2.5 to 4 inches. Requires regular mowing during active growth, medium fertilization (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually), occasional core aeration, and periodic overseeding for thin areas. Medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic and wear tolerance, good resistance to many common turf diseases, superior drought tolerance among cool-season turfgrasses, good heat tolerance, and strong erosion control due to its deep root system.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides moderate wildlife habitat value and exceptional soil stabilization and erosion control on slopes and large residential lawns. Often blended with Kentucky Bluegrass or perennial ryegrass.