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), likely a modern dwarf blend such as 'Rebel' or 'Falcon' series
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; remains green through most of winter in transition zones.
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing turf with a deep green color. Maintained at 2-4 inches, it shows a uniform appearance. Seed heads are panicles, though rarely seen in maintained lawns.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width 3-6mm (medium-coarse); prominent veins on upper surface; smooth underside; pointed tips; rolled vernation in the bud; short membranous ligule; auricles absent or very small and non-clasping.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (often 2-3 feet deep); slow to form thatch; excellent drought avoidance due to root depth; moderate establishment speed from seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; widely adapted to the Transition Zone and temperate regions of North America
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); some newer cultivars possess limited short rhizomes (RTF types)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to moderate shade (prefers 4-6 hours sun); moderate water needs but possesses high drought tolerance; thrives in pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
2.0 to 4.0 inches (mow higher in summer); mow weekly; 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually; low to medium maintenance.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance; excellent brown patch resistance in newer cultivars; good shade tolerance; highly resistant to summer stress compared to bluegrass.
Ecological Information
Introduced species; provides soil stabilization for slopes; common in urban ecosystems; often mixed with 5-10% Kentucky Bluegrass for sod knitting.