Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Erosion Control, Pasture
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF); variety unknown, likely a modern dark-green dwarf cultivar
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-9; excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; remains green through mild winters; goes dormant in extreme cold or drought.
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing clump with a coarse to medium-coarse texture. Displays a dark, forest-green color year-round in many climates. Develops large, open panicle seed heads if left unmowed.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width 4-8mm (medium-coarse); flat shape with a pointed tip; rolled vernation; distinct longitudinal ribbing on the upper surface; margins are rough/serrated; ligule is short and membranous; auricles are small or absent (rudimentary).
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (often 2-3 feet deep), giving it superior drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses; low thatch tendency; moderate establishment speed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; naturalized throughout North America
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with occasional short rhizomes; slow lateral spread
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to moderate shade (requires 4-6 hours sun); moderate water needs; excellent drought tolerance for its class; prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5-4.0 inches; mow every 5-7 days during peak growth; 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft per year; medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance; excellent brown patch resistance in newer cultivars; good salt tolerance; survives well in the transition zone; excellent for stabilization.
Ecological Information
Introduced species; provides ground cover for small mammals; excellent for preventing soil erosion on slopes; can be invasive in native prairie restoration areas; often blended with Kentucky Bluegrass.