Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season perennial, C3 pathway, Transition zone dominant
Grass Family
Poaceae, Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF); variety unknown, but exhibits characteristics of modern dark green, finer-bladed cultivars like 'Titan Ltd' or 'Rebel' series.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7; Excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; stays green in winter unless temperatures drop significantly, leading to semi-dormancy.
About This Grass
A robust, deep-rooted cool-season grass with a dense, bunching growth habit. It maintains a dark green color throughout much of the year, forming a thick canopy that resistant to many common pests. Seed heads are large panicles produced in late spring if left unmowed.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is medium (3-5mm), flat, with a distinctly pointed tip. Color is a deep, dark green with prominent longitudinal veins on the upper surface and a dull underside. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are absent or very small/rudimentary. The collar is broad and distinct.
Root System
Exceptionally deep fibrous root system (often 2-3 feet deep), which is deeper than most other cool-season grasses. High establishment speed from seed; low thatch tendency; excellent wear recovery once established.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; widely naturalized in North America, particularly in the U.S. Transition Zone and Pacific Northwest.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); lacks significant rhizomes or stolons, though some modern cultivars exhibit limited rhizomatous activity for self-repair.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun but has moderate shade tolerance (4-6 hours minimum). Moderate to high water needs during establishment, but high drought tolerance for a cool-season grass once mature. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5-7.5).
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height is 3.0-4.0 inches; mowing frequency is once per week. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually. Low dethatching needs. Maintenance level: Medium.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic and wear tolerance; high resistance to heat and drought; moderate shade tolerance; susceptible to brown patch (Rhizoctonia) during humid summers; good erosion control on slopes.
Ecological Information
Introduced species; provides cover for small wildlife; high soil stabilization value due to deep roots; often blended with 5-10% Kentucky Bluegrass to improve sod density and self-repairing capabilities.