Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF) cultivar (possibly an older variety like 'K-31' or a newer 'Rebel' series based on high coarseness)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7 (well-suited for the Transition Zone); excellent heat tolerance and moderate cold tolerance; stays green longer into winter than warm-season grasses.
About This Grass
A coarse to medium-textured grass forming dense individual clumps. It maintains a deep green color year-round in moderate climates and grows 2-4 feet tall if left unmowed, producing a panicle seed head.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades (>4mm width) with prominent longitudinal veins or ridges on the upper surface. Tips are pointed and edges can be rough or serrated. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are small or absent (short-pubescent).
Root System
Deep fibrous root system, often reaching 2-3 feet deep, providing superior drought tolerance for a cool-season grass. Does not form significant thatch.
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) with occasional short rhizomes; lacks extensive spreading ability
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun but has moderate shade tolerance. Requires 1-1.5 inches of water per week in summer; high drought avoidance due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 3.0-4.0 inches to maintain root health and shade out weeds. Requires 2-4 lbs of Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually. Low to medium maintenance.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance, excellent heat and drought resistance, moderate shade tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses. Susceptible to Brown Patch disease in high humidity.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization and erosion control on slopes. Low wildlife food value but provides cover. Can be invasive in native prairie restoration sites.