Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, widely adapted as a transition zone grass
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass and Erosion Control
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 7, highly successful in the transition zone with good heat and cold tolerance.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue varieties such as 'Rebel', 'Hounddog', or 'Falcon'
About This Grass
Forms a dense, deep-green, medium-to-coarse textured turf. Unmowed height can reach 2 to 4 feet, but maintained lawns are kept around 2 to 3 inches. Exhibits good wear tolerance and deep root depth.
Blade Characteristics
Medium width blades (4-6mm), flat shape with pointed tips, dark green color, rolled vernation in the bud, prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, membranous ligule, and small auricles.
Root System
Deep root system extending up to 2-3 feet deep, fibrous with occasional short rhizomes, providing excellent drought tolerance and moderate traffic recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe; widely cultivated and naturalized throughout North America, particularly in the transition zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass with short, underground rhizomes, forming dense clumps and a moderately uniform turf
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun to partial shade. Requires moderate watering once established, with high drought tolerance due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow at a height of 2.5 to 3.5 inches. Requires moderate maintenance, including 2 to 4 lbs of nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually, periodic overseeding, and occasional aeration.
Special Characteristics
Excellent drought tolerance, good shade tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses, moderate-to-good wear tolerance, and good resistance to many common turf diseases.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for lawns, pastures, and erosion control. Provides good soil stabilization on slopes and moderate wildlife value.