Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 landscape grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn, Turf, and Erosion Control Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-9; performs exceptionally well in the 'Transition Zone' where other cool-season grasses fail in summer heat.
About This Grass
A coarse to medium-textured grass with a deep green color. It grows in distinct clumps or bunches and is known for its ability to stay green during heat and drought due to deep roots. Seed heads are open panicles 4-12 inches long.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blade width (4-10mm), pointed tips, distinct vertical ribbing on the upper surface with a prominent midrib. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are small or absent (short-pubescent).
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (often 2-3 feet deep), which provides excellent drought tolerance and stability. Low thatch-former with slow to moderate establishment from seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; widely naturalized in North America and temperate climates
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clumping); lacks major rhizomes or stolons, though some new cultivars have short rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers 6+ hours of sun but is one of the most shade-tolerant cool-season grasses. Moderate water needs with very high drought resistance once established.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height: 3.0-4.0 inches. Frequency is moderate; fertilization requires 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year. Occasional overseeding is required to fill in bare spots due to bunch-forming habit.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance and foot traffic resistance. Good resistance to brown patch and pythium, though susceptible in high humidity. Excellent salt and heat tolerance compared to Bluegrass.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides soil stabilization for slopes. Often blended with Kentucky Bluegrass for a more resilient lawn. Can be considered invasive in native prairie restoration areas.