Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass; commonly used in 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')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 7 (and into 8 with irrigation); excellent cold tolerance and good heat tolerance for a cool-season grass, making it ideal for the transition zone.
About This Grass
Forms a moderately dense turf with a bunching tendency if not overseeded. Medium-to-coarse texture with an upright growth habit. Vibrant medium-green to dark-green color. Matures up to 2-4 feet if unmowed, but maintained turf stands dense at 2-3 inches. Seed heads are open panicles.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-to-coarse in width (4-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface. Tip is pointed. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is a very short membrane. Auricles are blunt and clasping. Collar is broad and distinct.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system (often reaching 2-3 feet or deeper), which provides exceptional drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses. Moderate establishment speed and low-to-moderate thatch-forming tendency.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe; widely naturalized and cultivated across North America, particularly the transition zone and northern regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type growth habit with short, underground rhizomes that provide moderate density
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to partial shade (more shade tolerant than Kentucky bluegrass or Bermuda). Requires moderate watering; high drought tolerance due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches. Mowing frequency is weekly during peak growing seasons. Fertilization needs are moderate (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). Low-to-medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High wear and traffic tolerance, good disease resistance (though susceptible to brown patch in hot, humid weather), poor salt tolerance, excellent drought recovery, and good erosion control.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for soil stabilization and turf. Provides moderate wildlife habitat. Often blended with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass in turf applications.