Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF); common varieties include 'Falcon IV', 'Rebel', or 'Titan'
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; has superior heat tolerance compared to Bluegrass but can suffer in extreme cold without snow cover.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, deep-rooted grass with a dark green color and prominent longitudinal veins. It maintains its color well into the autumn and stays green throughout the winter in milder climates.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width usually 5-10mm (coarse), flat, pointed tip, dark green with distinct ridges on the upper surface. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are small or absent.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (up to 2-3 feet depth), making it highly drought-tolerant for a cool-season grass. Low thatch tendency; moderate establishment speed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; widely adapted to the Transition Zone of the United States
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with occasional short rhizomes; forms a dense sod when seeded heavily
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to moderate shade (excellent shade tolerance for cool-season types). High drought tolerance; prefers consistent moisture for best appearance; adapted to wide soil pH range (5.5-7.5).
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 3.0-4.0 inches. Frequency varies with growth; fertilization 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year. Low to Medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance, high shade tolerance, good disease resistance (though susceptible to Brown Patch), and deep roots for slope stabilization.
Ecological Information
Introduced species; serves as important forage for livestock (endophyte-free varieties) and provides cover for small mammals. Often blended with Kentucky Bluegrass for improved durability.