Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass; highly adapted to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue cultivars (e.g., 'Biltmore', 'Rebel', 'Falcon IV')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9; excellent heat and cold tolerance for a cool-season grass, thriving in the transition zone.
About This Grass
Forms a coarse to medium-textured, upright turf with a bunching tendency if not overseeded densely. Color ranges from medium to dark green. Unmowed height can reach 2 to 4 feet with open, branching panicle seed heads.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-to-coarse in width (4-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, and rough margins. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Tips are pointed. Ligule is a very short membrane, and auricles are absent (though sometimes appear claw-like due to auricle-like projections from the collar).
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system (up to 3-4 feet deep), providing excellent drought resistance and soil stabilization. Moderate establishment speed with low thatch-forming tendency.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe; widely cultivated throughout North America, especially in the transition zone and temperate regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass with short, underground rhizomes that can form a moderately dense turf over time
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun to partial shade (more shade tolerant than many cool-season grasses). Requires moderate watering once established, with high drought tolerance due to deep roots.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches. Requires moderate maintenance level, mowing weekly during active growth, and fertilization of 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually.
Special Characteristics
Good wear tolerance, moderate-to-good disease resistance, excellent drought recovery, and good performance in poor soils. Does not go dormant as readily in summer heat as Kentucky bluegrass.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for erosion control, pasture, and turf. Provides moderate wildlife habitat and stabilization for slopes, though specific turf cultivars are bred primarily for domestic lawns and sports fields.