Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF), likely a blend of improved cultivars such as 'Falcon' or 'Rebel' series
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; best in the Transition Zone. Excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; good cold hardiness; no true winter dormancy (stays green in mild winters).
About This Grass
A robust, deep-rooted grass with a medium-to-coarse texture. Displays a dark green color and remains green longer into the summer than other cool-season grasses. Forms dense clumps and produces large, open panicle seed heads if left unmowed.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse leaves (4-10mm), flat shape with a pointed tip. Distinctive longitudinal veins (prominent ridges) on the upper surface; serrated margins felt when rubbed. Rolled vernation in the bud. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are small or absent.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (often 2-3 feet deep), giving it superior drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses. Low thatch-building tendency; moderate establishment speed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; highly adapted to the Transition Zone and temperate regions of North America
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with occasional short rhizomes; forms thick individual tufts that require overseeding to maintain density
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial sun to full sun (4-6 hours minimum). Moderate watering needs; highest drought tolerance among cool-season turfgrasses. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5-4.0 inches; frequency weekly during growth peaks. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. Low to medium maintenance overall.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and traffic recovery. High resistance to many turf diseases but susceptible to Brown Patch in high humidity. Good shade tolerance compared to Kentucky Bluegrass.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Utilized for soil stabilization on slopes/banks. May contain endophytes (beneficial fungi) that deter insect pests. Can be invasive in native meadows but valued for low-input lawns.