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, Sports Turf, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
'Rebel' or 'Turf-Type Tall Fescue' (TTTF) varieties known for finer blades and darker green color compared to older forage types like 'Kentucky 31'
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9, highly suitable for the transition zone where other cool-season grasses struggle with summer heat
About This Grass
Forms a somewhat coarse-textured turf with upright growth. When unmowed, it can grow up to 2-4 feet tall, but when maintained, it forms a dense, durable lawn. Color is medium to dark green, holding color well into winter. Seed heads are open panicles.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-to-coarse in width (4-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, and rough margins. Tip is pointed. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is a very short membrane, and auricles are blunt and clasping.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system reaching down 2 to 3 feet or more, providing exceptional drought tolerance. Moderate establishment speed from seed, and forms a strong, deep sod.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely naturalized and cultivated across North America, particularly in the transition zone and upper South
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) grass with short, underground rhizomes in some modern turf-type cultivars that help form a moderately dense sward
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun but has good shade tolerance compared to other cool-season turfgrasses. Requires moderate watering once established; deep, infrequent watering is preferred. Excellent drought and heat tolerance for a cool-season grass.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches. Mowing frequency is weekly during peak spring and fall growth. Requires moderate fertilization (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually). Low-to-medium overall maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear and traffic tolerance, good disease resistance (though susceptible to brown patch in hot, humid weather), moderate salt tolerance, and superior drought recovery compared to Kentucky Bluegrass or Perennial Ryegrass
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for soil stabilization, erosion control, and turf. Provides moderate wildlife habitat and forms a robust component of mixed turf stands or pastures (though forage types can sometimes contain endophytic fungi affecting livestock)