Tall Fescue (mixed with broadleaf weeds)
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn, Pasture, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common or 'KY-31' type (based on clumped, coarse appearance in red clay soil)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; adapts well to the Transition Zone where it survives heat better than other cool-season grasses.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, deep-rooting grass forming distinct clumps or tufts. In the image, it appears as dark green, vertical bunches growing sporadically amidst red clay soil and low-growing broadleaf weeds (likely Henbit or Clover). It maintains color better than warm-season grasses in early spring.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades (>4mm width), prominent veins/ribs on the upper surface, pointed tips, dark green color. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are small or absent but typically have small hairs at the collar.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (often 3-6+ feet deep), granting high drought tolerance. Low thatch tendency; slow recovery from bare patches due to bunching habit.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; widely naturalized in North America, particularly the US Transition Zone.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); can occasionally produce short rhizomes but lacks aggressive spreading.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; requires 4-6 hours of sun. Moderate water needs but excellent drought survival due to root depth. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 5.5-7.0).
Mowing & Maintenance
Recommended height 3.0-4.0 inches. Medium maintenance. Requires 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. Needs periodic overseeding to fill in gaps since it doesn't spread via stolons.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance, good shade tolerance for a cool-season grass, and excellent heat tolerance relative to Bluegrass. Poor recovery from injury (requires reseeding).
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Used for soil stabilization on slopes/banks. May contain endophytes (fungus) that improve vigor but can be toxic to some livestock if used in pastures without management.