Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Forage/Pasture, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF) blend
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7; excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; remains green in winter unless temperatures are extreme.
About This Grass
A coarse to medium-textured grass forming dense individual clumps. It maintains a dark green color during most of the year and produces a panicle-type seed head if left unmowed. In the image, it shows a vertical, stiff growth habit compared to finer-bladed species.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is medium to coarse (3-10mm). Venation is prominent with distinct longitudinal ribs on the upper surface. The tip is sharply pointed; the vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligules are short and membranous; auricles are small or absent (rarely clasping/hairy).
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system extending 2-3 feet in ideal conditions. Very limited thatch production. Fast germination (7-14 days) but slow to recover from damage due to lack of stolons/rhizomes.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; naturalized throughout North America, specifically the Transition Zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); occasionally produces very short, weak rhizomes but lacks significant spreading ability
Sunlight & Water Needs
Adapts to Full Sun or Partial Shade (minimum 4-6 hours). High drought tolerance once established due to deep roots; prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5 to 7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height: 3.0 to 4.0 inches. Frequency: weekly during peak growth. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year. Low to medium maintenance; requires overseeding to fill bare spots.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance; excellent shade tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses; susceptible to Brown Patch fungus in high heat/humidity; very good drought recovery.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization on slopes/embankments. High forage value for livestock but can contain endophytes that affect certain animals.