Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF); variety indistinguishable
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7; excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; good cold tolerance; lacks a true dormant period in mild winters.
About This Grass
A hardy, deep-rooted grass with a dense growth habit. Features a dark green color and coarse to medium texture. Visible in the image are wide blades with characteristic shredding at the tips from mowing, which is common for this species.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is medium to coarse (4-10mm); flat shape with a pointed tip; dark green color; rolled vernation in the bud; prominent veins on the upper surface with a dull underside; ligule is short and membranous; auricles are small or absent (rudimentary).
Root System
Extremely deep fibrous root system (up to 2-3 feet); low thatch tendency; moderate establishment speed from seed; superior drought tolerance among cool-season grasses.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; widely adapted to the Transition Zone and temperate climates of North America.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with occasional short rhizomes; forms a dense sod when seeded heavily.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; requires at least 4-6 hours of sun; moderate water needs but can withstand long dry periods by going semi-dormant; prefers soil pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5-4.0 inches; weekly frequency; fertilization 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft/year; low dethatching needs; annual aeration and overseeding recommended; medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance; good disease resistance (though susceptible to Brown Patch); high salt tolerance; best shade tolerance among common cool-season lawn grasses.
Ecological Information
Introduced status in North America; provides soil stabilization for slopes; creates dense cover for small insects/wildlife; can be invasive in native meadows; often mixed with Kentucky Bluegrass for better recovery.