Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7; excellent heat and cold tolerance in the transition zone.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Titan')
About This Grass
Medium to coarse texture turf with a rich green color, forming a relatively dense sod when established. Can grow up to 2-4 feet tall if unmowed, but maintained at 2-3 inches.
Blade Characteristics
Medium-coarse width (4-8mm), flat shape, pointed tips, dark green color, rolled vernation in the bud, prominent parallel veins on the upper surface.
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system extending up to 2-3 feet deep, providing excellent drought tolerance and moderate thatch-forming tendencies.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe; widely cultivated in the United States, especially in the transition zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with short, underground rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to moderate shade; moderate watering needs with high drought tolerance once established; prefers well-drained loamy soils with pH 5.5-6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow at 2.5 to 3.5 inches height; medium maintenance level requiring 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually.
Special Characteristics
Good wear tolerance, highly drought resistant due to deep roots, moderate disease resistance, fair shade tolerance.
Ecological Information
Introduced species used extensively for erosion control, turf, and pasture; provides good ground cover and soil stabilization.