Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, highly well-suited for the transition zone.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Titan'), bred to have finer blades and denser growth than older pasture varieties like 'Kentucky 31'.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9. Excellent heat and drought tolerance for a cool-season grass, making it ideal for the transition zone.
About This Grass
Forms a deep green, medium-to-coarse textured lawn with upright growth. Can reach 2-4 feet tall if left unmowed. Maintains a bunching appearance if not overseeded densely, with a bright to medium green color.
Blade Characteristics
Medium-to-coarse width (4-8mm), flat shape with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, pointed tips, rolled in the bud (vernation), smooth lower surface with a shiny appearance, membranous ligule, and small claw-like auricles.
Root System
Extremely deep root system (often 2-3 feet or more), fibrous, low thatch-forming tendency, moderate-to-slow establishment speed, provides excellent drought tolerance and good wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe; widely introduced and cultivated throughout North America, particularly in the transition zone and northern regions.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass that forms dense clumps, though modern turf-type varieties can exhibit short, weak rhizomes that help form a moderately uniform turf.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in Full Sun to Partial Shade, highly shade-tolerant compared to other cool-season grasses. Requires moderate watering once established and has superior drought tolerance among cool-season turfgrasses.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches. Mow weekly during peak growth. Fertilization needs are moderate (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). Low to medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance, good resistance to common turf diseases (though susceptible to brown patch in humid summers), moderate shade tolerance, deep roots prevent soil erosion, and moderate winter color retention.
Ecological Information
Introduced species, provides good wildlife cover and soil stabilization due to deep root system, generally non-invasive in managed turf, often blended with Kentucky Bluegrass or Perennial Ryegrass.