Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture/Forage, and Erosion Control grass
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky-31 (K-31) or similar coarse-textured forage type
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7; highly successful in the transition zone due to heat tolerance.
About This Grass
A hardy, coarse-textured grass with a deep green color. In the photo, it appears as dark green, thick-bladed clumps interspersed with broadleaf weeds like clover and dandelion. When left unmowed, it can reach 2-4 feet in height with open panicle seed heads.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades (>4mm wide), flat shape with prominent longitudinal veins/ridges on the upper surface. Tips are pointed (not boat-shaped). Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are typically small and rudimentary with short hairs.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (can reach 2-3 feet deep), providing excellent stability and drought resistance. Low thatch-forming tendency; moderate establishment speed from seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; naturalized throughout North America particularly in the transition zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); very limited rhizomatous activity occasionally present in newer cultivars
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade (needs 4-6 hours of sun). High drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses; prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 3.0-4.0 inches. Medium maintenance level. Requires 2-4 lbs of Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually. Does not spread well, so periodic overseeding is required to fill thin spots.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and heat resistance. Moderate shade tolerance. Prone to Brown Patch disease in high humidity. Excellent for erosion control on slopes.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides forage for livestock and ground cover for small mammals. Can be invasive in native prairie settings due to its competitive nature and deep roots.