Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season perennial, C3 photosynthetic pathway, highly adaptable in the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage, Erosion Control, Sports Turf
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue (e.g., 'Biltmore', 'Rebel', 'Falcon')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9; highly valued in the transition zone for its superior heat and drought tolerance compared to bluegrass or ryegrass
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, deep-green, bunch-forming grass with upright growth. Unmowed height can reach 2 to 4 feet. Maintains good color through heat and drought stress compared to other cool-season grasses.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium to coarse in width (4-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, pointed tips, rolled vernation in the bud, a small membranous ligule, and small auricles that clasp the stem
Root System
Extremely deep root system (up to 3 to 4 feet or more), fibrous, highly drought-resistant once established, moderate establishment speed, low thatch-forming tendency
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; widely cultivated throughout the United States, especially in the transition zone and cool-humid regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) grass that can form a moderately dense sward when overseeded, spreading slowly via very short rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun to partial shade; requires moderate watering once established but has exceptional drought tolerance due to deep roots; adapts well to a wide range of soil types and pH levels (5.5 to 6.5)
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches; requires regular mowing during peak growth seasons; fertilization needs are moderate (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year); low to medium overall maintenance level
Special Characteristics
Good wear tolerance, excellent drought and heat tolerance for a cool-season grass, good disease resistance (though susceptible to brown patch), poor shade tolerance compared to fine fescues, excellent erosion control due to deep roots
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for pasture and turf; provides good ground cover and soil stabilization; often contains endophytic fungi that deter insect pests; can be invasive in native prairies and natural areas