Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season perennial, C3 pathway
Grass Family
Poaceae, Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF) - likely a modern cultivar such as 'Rebel' or 'Titan' based on leaf density
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7 (and upper Zone 8); excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; remains semi-evergreen in many climates.
About This Grass
A robust, deep-rooted grass with a medium-to-dark green color. It maintains its color well into the fall and stays green longer during drought than many other cool-season grasses. It does not produce unsightly seed heads frequently when maintained properly at lawn heights.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is medium (3-4mm), flat shape, pointed tip (not boat-shaped). Color is deep green with prominent longitudinal veins (ribbing) on the upper surface. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are absent or very small/blunt.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (often reaching 2-3 feet), providing excellent drought resistance; slow thatch accumulation; establishment speed is moderate via seed.
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 occasional short rhizomes; forms a dense, uniform sod in turf varieties
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade (requires at least 4-6 hours of sun); moderate water needs but possesses high drought avoidance due to deep roots; prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height of 2.5 to 4.0 inches; mowing frequency is weekly during peak growth; fertilization of 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually; medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance; good resistance to many turf diseases though susceptible to brown patch in high humidity; excellent salt tolerance and moderate shade tolerance compared to Bluegrass.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides soil stabilization via deep roots; often used in mixtures with Kentucky Bluegrass for ecological resilience.