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/Forage, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky 31 (KY-31)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9, excellent heat and cold tolerance, well-suited for the transition zone
About This Grass
Forms a relatively coarse, upright clump with a medium-light to deep green color; unmowed height can reach 2 to 4 feet with panicle seed heads, while maintained turf sits at 2 to 3 inches
Blade Characteristics
Medium to coarse width (4-8mm), flat shape, pointed tips, medium green color, rolled vernation in the bud, prominent veins on the upper surface, with a short membranous ligule and small or absent auricles
Root System
Deep fibrous root system going down several feet, providing excellent drought tolerance and moderate establishment speed, moderate thatch tendency
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely cultivated and naturalized across North America, performing best in the transition zone and cool-temperate regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass with a short rhizomatous tendency, forming dense clumps that can slowly expand
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade, moderate watering needs once established, very good drought tolerance due to deep roots, prefers well-drained loamy soils with pH between 5.5 and 6.5
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height 2.5 to 4 inches, mowed weekly during active growth, medium fertilization (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year), infrequent dethatching required, medium maintenance level
Special Characteristics
High wear and traffic tolerance, good disease resistance, moderate shade tolerance, exceptional drought recovery, excellent for erosion control and home lawns or sports fields
Ecological Information
Introduced species, provides good ground cover and wildlife foraging, stabilizes soil effectively against erosion, often blended with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass