Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season perennial, C3 grass; exhibits good tolerance in the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue varieties (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Biltmore', 'Hounddog')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9. Excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass, making it ideal for the transition zone, with good cold hardiness.
About This Grass
Forms a relatively coarse, upright clump with a bunching habit. Unmowed, it can reach 2 to 4 feet in height, but when maintained as a lawn, it forms a dense turf of medium texture. Color is medium to dark green. Seed heads are open panicles appearing in late spring.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium to coarse in width (4-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface and smooth underneath. Tip is pointed. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is a short membranous ring, and auricles are small and blunt or absent.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system reaching depths of 2 to 3 feet or more, providing exceptional drought tolerance. Low to moderate thatch-forming tendency; establishes relatively quickly from seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely naturalized and cultivated across North America, particularly in the transition zone and cooler regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass that can form a moderately dense sward, occasionally producing very short rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun but has good shade tolerance compared to other cool-season turf grasses. Moderate watering needs once established; highly drought tolerant due to its deep root system. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height ranges from 2.0 to 3.5 inches. Mow frequently during active growth. Requires moderate fertilization (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually). Low to medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High traffic and wear tolerance, good resistance to many common turf diseases, moderate salt tolerance, excellent drought recovery, and good erosion control due to the deep root system.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides good wildlife cover and soil stabilization. Often used in blends with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass, though modern turf-type tall fescues are frequently planted as monocultures for lawns.