Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass and Pasture
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9, excellent heat and cold tolerance, highly suitable for the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue varieties such as 'Rebel' or 'Hounddog'
About This Grass
Medium to coarse textured turfgrass with a bright to medium green color, forming a dense and upright turf with moderate growth rate
Blade Characteristics
Coarse to medium width blades (4-8mm), flat shape, pointed tips, rolled in the bud (vernation), distinct parallel veins on the upper surface, prominent whitish membranous ligule, and small or absent auricles
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system going down several feet, providing superior drought tolerance, moderate establishment speed, and low thatch tendency
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe; widely cultivated throughout the United States, especially in the transition zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type forming dense clumps with short underground rhizomes
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 loamy soils with pH 5.5 to 6.5
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height between 2.5 to 4 inches, weekly or bi-weekly mowing frequency, medium maintenance level requiring 2 to 4 lbs of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft annually
Special Characteristics
Good wear and traffic tolerance, excellent drought recovery, moderate shade tolerance, good disease resistance, and deep root system helps with erosion control
Ecological Information
Introduced species, provides good ground cover and erosion control, wildlife habitat value for small mammals and birds, frequently blended with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass