Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass; highly adaptable to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
'Rebel IV' or similar turf-type tall fescue cultivars known for deeper green color, finer leaf texture, and improved density compared to older agricultural varieties like Kentucky-31
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. Excellent tolerance to the heat and humidity of the transition zone, while maintaining good cold tolerance.
About This Grass
Forms a moderately coarse, upright, dense turf with a deep green color. Height ranges from 2 to 4 inches when maintained as a lawn, but can grow up to 3 to 4 feet if left unmowed. Shows excellent color retention through heat stress and drought compared to other cool-season grasses.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium to coarse in width (4-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface and a shiny underside. Tips are pointed rather than boat-shaped. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is a very short membrane, and auricles are small and blunt.
Root System
Extensive and very deep root system, often growing 2 to 3 feet deep into the soil. Provides exceptional drought tolerance and stability, with moderate establishment speed and a dense sod-forming capacity when planted at high seeding rates.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and parts of North Africa and Asia; widely naturalized and cultivated throughout North America, especially in the transition zone and cooler regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass that forms dense clumps, though modern turf-type cultivars can spread very slowly via short underground rhizomes to repair minor gaps
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun to partial shade (more shade tolerant than many other turfgrasses). Requires moderate watering once established; needs regular moisture during establishment and prolonged dry spells. Highly drought-tolerant due to deep roots.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 3.5 inches, never cut below 2 inches. Mower blades should be kept sharp to prevent shredding of the wide leaf blades. Fertilization needs are moderate (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). Medium overall maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High wear and traffic tolerance, excellent drought and heat tolerance for a cool-season grass. Good resistance to many common turf diseases, though susceptible to brown patch in hot, humid weather. Excellent for erosion control.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control due to its deep root mass. Often blended with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass to create resilient turf mixtures.