Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF); variety unknown but likely a modern blend like 'Titan' or 'Falcon' based on medium-fine texture
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7; excellent heat tolerance for the transition zone; remains green through mild winters; goes dormant in extreme heat or cold.
About This Grass
A deep-rooted, durable grass with a dark green color. It maintains a dense, upright growth pattern. Unmowed, it can reach 2 to 4 feet; mowed, it provides a uniform lawn surface. Noted for heat tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is medium (3-4mm), flat with a distinctly pointed tip and prominent longitudinal veins on the upper surface. Vernation is rolled in the bud. The ligule is a short membrane, and auricles are small/rudimentary or absent. Color is a rich dark green.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (often reaching 2-3 feet), allowing for excellent drought avoidance. Low thatch tendency; slow recovery from heavy wear due to bunch-forming habit.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; now dominant in the transition zone of the United States
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with limited short rhizomes; forms a dense sod when seeded heavily
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers 4-6 hours of sun but is more shade-tolerant than Bluegrass. High drought tolerance for a cool-season grass; prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5 to 7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5 to 4.0 inches. Mowing frequency is moderate. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year. Requires periodic overseeding to fill in thinned patches. Maintenance level: Medium.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance; excellent resistance to heat and drought; moderate shade tolerance; susceptible to Brown Patch disease in humid summer conditions; good erosion control on slopes.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America; provides soil stabilization and water filtration; often contains fungal endophytes that improve pest resistance but can be toxic to livestock if used in pasture without management.