Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, highly adapted to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue cultivars (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Biltmore')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9, highly successful in the transition zone with good heat and cold tolerance.
About This Grass
Forms a moderately dense, upright turf with medium-coarse texture. Unmowed height reaches 2 to 4 feet with open panicle seed heads. Maintained turf is bright to dark green, showing good year-round color.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-coarse (4-8mm wide), flat, with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface and a shiny underside. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Tips are pointed. Ligule is a short membrane, and auricles are blunt or absent.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system reaching depths of 2 to 3 feet or more, contributing to exceptional drought tolerance and moderate thatch resistance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely naturalized and cultivated across North America and temperate regions globally
Growth Habit
Bunch-type growth habit with short, underground rhizomes that provide limited lateral spreading
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun to moderate shade. Requires moderate moisture once established, but deep roots provide superior drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses.
Mowing & Maintenance
Maintain at 2.5 to 4 inches height. Mowing frequency is weekly during peak growing seasons. Requires moderate fertilization (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually). Medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance, deep root drought escape, good disease resistance (though susceptible to brown patch in humid summer heat), and moderate shade tolerance.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for turf, erosion control on slopes, and pasture. Provides good soil stabilization and moderate wildlife cover.