Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass; highly adaptive transition zone grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture/Forage, and Erosion Control grass
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky 31 (K-31) or similar forage-type Tall Fescue based on coarse texture
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7; excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; stays green in mild winters but goes dormant in extreme cold.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, deep-rooted grass forming dense clumps. Visible as a medium-to-dark green grass that remains green longer into the summer than other cool-season types. Exhibits a somewhat upright growth habit with visible ribbing on blades.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is coarse (4-10mm); tip is pointed; vernation is rolled in the bud; upper surface is dull with prominent ridges/veins; margins are often rough or serrated; auricles are small/blunt or absent with a short membranous ligule.
Root System
Exceptionally deep fibrous root system (up to 2-3 feet); low thatch tendency; moderate establishment speed; high wear recovery through crown regrowth.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; widely naturalized in North America and Australia
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); lacks significant rhizomes or stolons; forms dense individual mats
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; requires 4-6 hours of sun; moderate water needs but possesses high drought tolerance due to root depth; prefers pH 5.5 to 7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Recommended height 3.0-4.0 inches; mowing frequency weekly; fertilization 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually; low-to-medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High traffic/wear tolerance; excellent drought resistance; moderate shade tolerance; susceptible to brown patch in high humidity; great for erosion control on slopes.
Ecological Information
Introduced species; provides ground cover for small mammals; high soil stabilization value; can be invasive in native prairies; often mixed with Bluegrass or Clover in pastures.