Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season perennial, C3 grass, highly well-adapted to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky-31 (K-31) or similar turf-type tall fescue cultivars
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9; excellent tolerance to both cold winters and summer heat in the transition zone
About This Grass
Forms coarse to medium-textured clumps with deep rich green color; upright growth habit, tolerant of heat and drought compared to other cool-season grasses
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blade width (4-8mm), flat shape with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, pointed tips, rolled in the bud (vernation), with a short membranous ligule and no auricles
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system going down several feet, providing exceptional drought tolerance and slow to moderate thatch buildup
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe; widely cultivated and naturalized across North America, particularly the transition zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass that can form a somewhat dense turf through short rhizomes in ideal conditions
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun to partial shade; requires moderate watering once established, highly drought-tolerant due to deep roots; prefers well-drained loamy soils with pH 5.5-6.5
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow at 2.5 to 4 inches; medium maintenance level requiring regular mowing, moderate nitrogen fertilization (2-4 lbs per 1000 sq ft per year), and occasional overseeding
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance, good disease resistance (though susceptible to brown patch in hot humid weather), excellent drought recovery, moderate salt tolerance
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for erosion control and turf; provides fair wildlife cover; often blended with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass