Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, highly well-adapted to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass and Pasture Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky 31 (K-31)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9, excellent heat and cold tolerance, thrives in the transition zone where other cool-season grasses fail.
About This Grass
Tall Fescue is a coarse-textured, deep-rooted bunchgrass that grows in tufts or clumps. It features bright to medium green color, high density when established, and excellent heat and drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-to-coarse in width (4-8mm), flat with prominent veins on the upper surface, pointed tips, rolled in the bud (vernation), and possess a broad, light green collar with small or absent auricles and a short membranous ligule.
Root System
Extremely deep fibrous root system going down 2 to 3 feet or more, low thatch-forming tendency, moderate establishment speed from seed, offering superior drought resistance and good wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely cultivated throughout North America, especially in the transition zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass with short, underground rhizomes forming a moderately dense clump
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun to moderate shade; requires moderate watering once established, highly drought-tolerant due to deep roots; adapts well to a wide range of soils with a preferred pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Recommended mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches, high frequency during active growth, requires 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually, low-to-medium overall maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High traffic and wear tolerance, good disease resistance, moderate salt tolerance, excellent drought recovery, and strong ability to maintain green color longer into the summer.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for erosion control, pasture forage, and turf; provides good wildlife cover and soil stabilization with minimal invasive tendencies outside of managed turf.