Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass; highly adaptable to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage Grass, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky-31 (KY-31), widely utilized for its extreme durability and wide adaptability
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 7, highly valued in the transition zone (Zones 6-7) where both summer heat and winter cold challenge other species.
About This Grass
Tall Fescue grows in dense, coarse clumps reaching heights of 2 to 4 feet if left unmowed, though it maintains a uniform lawn when regularly cut. It has an attractive medium to dark green color, maintains color well into winter compared to warm-season grasses, and produces open, branched panicle seed heads at maturity.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-to-coarse in width (4-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface and a shiny underside. Vernation is rolled in the bud. It has a small membranous ligule, and small, blunt auricles may be present.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system reaching depths of 2 to 3 feet or more. Provides superior drought resistance and recovery, moderate establishment speed, and low thatch-forming tendency.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe; widely cultivated throughout the United States, especially in the transition zone and cooler regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type growth habit with short, underground rhizomes that can form a moderately dense turf over time
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun to partial shade, tolerating shade better than most cool-season grasses. Requires moderate watering once established, with high drought tolerance due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained loamy soils but adapts to clay and sandy soils with pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height ranges from 2.5 to 4 inches. Requires moderate maintenance including regular mowing, seasonal fertilization (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually), and periodic overseeding to fill in thin spots.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic and wear tolerance, good disease resistance against common turf diseases, high tolerance to heat and drought relative to other cool-season grasses, and exceptional ability to control soil erosion on slopes.
Ecological Information
Introduced species that provides significant value for livestock forage, wildlife cover, and soil stabilization in disturbed or sloped areas. Often blended with Kentucky Bluegrass or Perennial Ryegrass in turf applications.