Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass; highly adapted to 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 (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Titan', 'Biltmore')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. Excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass, thriving well in the transition zone, with good cold winter hardiness.
About This Grass
Forms a moderately dense, upright turf with a medium-coarse texture. Unmowed, it can reach heights of 2 to 4 feet. Color ranges from medium to dark green and remains green longer into the winter than many other cool-season grasses. Seed heads are open, branching panicles.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-to-coarse in width (4-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, and have a pointed tip. Vernation is rolled in the bud. The ligule is a very short membrane, and auricles are absent (though sometimes appearing claw-like due to clasping leaf edges).
Root System
Deep root system, extending down 2 to 3 feet or more, which provides exceptional drought tolerance. Low-to-moderate thatch tendency. Establishes relatively quickly from seed compared to Kentucky bluegrass.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe; widely cultivated and naturalized throughout North America, particularly in the transition zone and cooler regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with very short, occasional underground rhizomes in turf-type varieties, forming a relatively dense sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun but possesses good shade tolerance compared to other cool-season turfgrasses. Requires moderate watering once established; high drought tolerance due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches. Mowing frequency is regular during active spring and fall growth periods. Fertilization requires 2 to 4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. Medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear and traffic tolerance, very good drought recovery, good shade tolerance, and good resistance to many common turf diseases. Can crowd out weeds well when dense.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for soil stabilization, erosion control, and pasture forage. Provides moderate wildlife habitat value, though endophyte-infected varieties can be toxic to grazing livestock.