Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, widely used in the transition zone
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 7 (adapts well into the transition zone up to Zone 9 with proper management)
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue cultivars (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Falcon')
About This Grass
Forms a moderately dense, coarse-textured turf with a deep green color. Height ranges from 2 to 4 inches when maintained, but can reach over 2 feet if unmowed. Produces an open panicle seed head at maturity.
Blade Characteristics
Medium to coarse width (4-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, pointed tips, rolled vernation in the bud, and distinct auricles.
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system extending 2 to 3 feet or more into the soil, providing superior drought tolerance compared to other cool-season turfgrasses. Moderate to slow establishment rate.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe; widely naturalized and cultivated across North America, particularly in the transition zone and upper South
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass with short, underground rhizomes that provide limited lateral spread
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun to partial shade. Moderate water requirements once established; highly drought-tolerant 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 3.5 inches. Requires moderate maintenance, including regular mowing, 2 to 4 lbs of nitrogen fertilizer per 1000 sq ft annually, and occasional overseeding to fill in thin spots.
Special Characteristics
Excellent heat and drought tolerance for a cool-season grass. Good wear tolerance, moderate shade tolerance, and strong resistance to many common turf diseases.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for erosion control, residential lawns, and sports fields. Provides good soil stabilization and moderate wildlife habitat value.