Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season perennial, C3 grass, highly adapted to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, and Erosion Control Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Titan'), known for finer leaf texture, darker green color, and lower growth habit compared to older pasture varieties like 'Kentucky 31'.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. Excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass and very good cold tolerance. Performs exceptionally well in the transition zone.
About This Grass
Forms a moderately dense, coarse-textured sward with upright growth. Mown height typically maintained at 2-3 inches, while unmowed grass can reach 2-4 feet. Color is medium to dark green with good wear resistance. Mature seed heads are open panicles.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-to-coarse in width (4-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface and a shiny underside. Tip is pointed. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Features a small membranous ligule, and auricles are absent (or blunt/rounded if present).
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system reaching down 2 to 3 feet or more, contributing to exceptional drought tolerance and heat resistance. Moderate establishment speed. Forms a somewhat loose sod compared to Kentucky bluegrass.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, introduced to North America in the late 19th century; widely cultivated throughout the United States, especially in the transition zone and cooler regions.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass (clump-forming) with short, underground rhizomes in some modern turf-types that allow for very modest lateral spreading; forms a moderately dense turf.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to partial shade (more shade tolerant than Kentucky bluegrass or Bermuda grass). Requires moderate watering once established; deep, infrequent watering encourages deep rooting. Tolerates moderate drought by going dormant and greening up upon receiving moisture. Prefers well-drained loamy soils with pH 5.5-6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 3.5 inches. Mow weekly during active growth seasons (spring and fall). Fertilization requires about 2 to 4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. Moderate maintenance level; requires occasional overseeding to fill in thin spots since it is a bunch grass.
Special Characteristics
Outstanding traffic and wear tolerance, superior drought and heat tolerance among cool-season grasses, good disease resistance (though susceptible to brown patch in hot, humid weather), poor salt tolerance, and moderate shade tolerance.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for erosion control, pasture forage, and turf. Provides moderate wildlife habitat and stabilization for slopes and disturbed soils. Often blended with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass in turf seed mixes.