Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, highly well-suited for the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type Tall Fescue (e.g., 'Rebel IV', 'Titan')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. Performs exceptionally well in the transition zone where other cool-season grasses struggle with heat.
About This Grass
Forms a moderately dense turf with upright growth. When unmowed, it can reach heights of 2 to 4 feet. Color is a rich, deep medium-green with high shade retention. Texture is moderately coarse compared to Kentucky bluegrass. Mature seed heads are open panicles.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-to-coarse in width (4-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface and a shiny keel underneath. Tips are sharply pointed. Vernation is rolled in the bud. The ligule is a very short membranous ring, and auricles are small, blunt, and claw-like (often rubbing against the collar).
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system going down several feet, providing exceptional drought tolerance. Forms moderate thatch under high management, establishes relatively quickly from seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and parts of North Africa and Asia; widely naturalized and cultivated across North America, especially the transition zone
Growth Habit
Primarily bunch-type (clump-forming) with very short, occasional underground rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to moderate shade (best shade tolerance among cool-season turf grasses). Requires moderate watering once established, highly drought tolerant due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow at 2.5 to 4 inches. Requires regular mowing during active spring and fall growth. Fertilization needs are moderate (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually). Low-to-medium overall maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High wear and traffic tolerance, excellent heat and drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses, good disease resistance, moderate salt tolerance, poor spreading ability meaning damaged areas require reseeding.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for pasture and turf. Provides good erosion control due to deep root mass. Often blended with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass in turf applications.