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 given the dark green color and medium texture
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; remains green through most of winter unless temperatures drop significantly, during which it enters semi-dormancy.
About This Grass
A hardy, versatile cool-season grass with a deep green color and medium-coarse texture. In unmowed states, it can reach 3-4 feet; maintained turf stays dense and upright. Seed heads are open panicles with 4-7 florets per spikelet, though rarely seen in maintained lawns.
Blade Characteristics
Medium blade width (3-4mm), flat shape, pointed tip (not boat-shaped), dark green color. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Prominent visible veins/ridges on the upper surface with a rough margin; ligule is short and membranous; auricles are typically absent or very small and blunt.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (often 2-3 feet deep), giving it superior drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses. It produces minimal thatch and is moderate in establishment speed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; widely adapted to the Transition Zone of the United States
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with occasionally short, weak rhizomes; dense vertical growth habit
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun to Partial Shade (requires at least 4-6 hours of sun); moderate water needs but possesses high drought tolerance; thrives in pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 3.0-4.0 inches; weekly mowing; 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually; low dethatching needs but annual aeration and overseeding are recommended to maintain density.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic/wear tolerance once established; high resistance to heat and drought; moderate shade tolerance. Sensitive to Brown Patch (Rhizoctonia) in high humidity.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America; provides soil stabilization for erosion control; non-invasive in most managed landscapes; commonly blended with 5-10% Kentucky Bluegrass to facilitate 'self-repair' of bare spots.