Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, highly adaptable in the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue (e.g., 'Rebel' series), bred for finer texture and darker green color
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9, highly successful in the transition zone
About This Grass
Forms a dense, deep-green turf with a somewhat coarse texture compared to Kentucky bluegrass, maintaining color well into drought and winter
Blade Characteristics
Medium to coarse width (3-6mm), flat shape with prominent parallel veins, pointed tips, rolled in the bud (vernation)
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system reaching up to 2-3 feet deep, providing superior drought resistance
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely naturalized and cultivated across North America and temperate regions worldwide
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass that can form a moderately uniform turf when seeded densely, lacking aggressive rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; requires moderate watering once established, excellent deep-root drought tolerance
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow at 2.5 to 4 inches; medium maintenance level requiring regular mowing and moderate fertilization
Special Characteristics
Good wear tolerance, highly tolerant of heat and drought relative to other cool-season grasses, moderate shade tolerance
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for erosion control, wildlife grazing, and sustainable low-input turf lawns