Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn, Turf, and Forage Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type Tall Fescue (TTTF)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass and good cold hardiness.
About This Grass
A hardy, coarse to medium-textured grass with a deep green color. It grows in dense tufts and maintains color well under stress. Seed heads are panicles that appear in late spring if left unmowed.
Blade Characteristics
Width: 3-8mm (medium-coarse); Shape: flat, longitudinal ribs on the upper surface; Tip: pointed; Color: dark green; Vernation: rolled in the bud; Ligule: short, membranous; Auricles: small/rudimentary with hairs on the margins; Midrib: prominent on the underside.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (often 2-3 feet deep), providing excellent drought tolerance. Low thatch tendency; slower to fill in bare spots due to bunching habit.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; widely naturalized in North America across the transition zone and northern regions.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clumping). It spreads primarily via tillers; most varieties lack significant rhizomes or stolons.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to moderate shade (prefers 4-6 hours of sun). High drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses; requires regular water during establishment but survives on less once mature.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height: 3.0-4.0 inches. Frequency: weekly during growth. Fertilizer: 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft per year. Low to medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Superior wear tolerance and drought resistance. Highly shade-tolerant for a cool-season grass. Resistant to many common turf diseases but susceptible to Brown Patch in high humidity.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in the US. Provides soil stabilization and erosion control. Often mixed with Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescues to improve overall lawn resilience.