Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Landscape, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF) - likely a mix such as 'Rebel' or 'Falcon' series based on high density and medium-coarse texture.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass, remains green through much of winter in transition zones.
About This Grass
A hardy, clump-forming grass with a deep green color. It forms a dense turf when seeded heavily but can appear as isolated tufts if thin. Texture is medium-coarse with visible vertical ribbing on blades.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse width (>4mm), flat shape with a distinctly pointed tip and prominent longitudinal ribs on the upper surface. Vernation is rolled in the bud. No auricles (or very small/rudimentary) and a short, membranous ligule.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (can reach 2-3 feet depth), providing excellent drought resistance. It does not form significant thatch and has moderate establishment speed from seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; widely naturalized in North America, particularly the US Transition Zone.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming). It spreads primarily through tillering and lacks significant rhizomatous or stoloniferous activity.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade (more shade tolerant than most cool-season grasses). Requires 4-6 hours of sun. Moderate water needs with high drought tolerance once established.
Mowing & Maintenance
Recommended mowing height: 3.0-4.0 inches. Frequency: Weekly during peak growth. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. Maintenance level: Medium.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance due to coarse blades; excellent drought resistance; susceptible to Brown Patch disease in high humidity; good salt tolerance.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Used for soil stabilization and forage. Can be invasive in native prairie restorations. Often blended with 5-10% Kentucky Bluegrass for better sod knitting.