Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, widely used in the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
General turf-type tall fescue cultivars (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Falcon')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9, highly successful in the transition zone
About This Grass
Medium to coarse texture turf with a rich green color, forming upright clumps that spread slowly via short underground rhizomes
Blade Characteristics
Coarse to medium width (4-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, pointed tips, rolled in the bud (vernation)
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system going down several feet, providing superior drought tolerance and moderate thatch tendency
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe, introduced and widely cultivated in North America
Growth Habit
Bunch-type with short rhizomes, forming a moderately dense sward
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to moderate shade, moderate watering needs once established, high drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow at 2.5 to 4 inches, medium maintenance level, requires regular mowing and moderate fertilization
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance, good heat tolerance for a cool-season grass, moderate disease and insect resistance
Ecological Information
Introduced species, excellent for erosion control, wildlife cover, and soil stabilization in turf applications