Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, highly adaptable in the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky 31 (K-31), known for rugged persistence, broader blades, and lighter green color
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. Excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass, highly cold-tolerant, and exceptionally well-suited for the transition zone
About This Grass
Forms upright, clump-like tufts with coarse texture. Unmowed height can reach 2 to 4 feet. Color ranges from medium to dark green, maintaining color well into late autumn. Features an open panicle seed head at maturity
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades (4-8mm wide), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, pointed tips, rolled in the bud (vernation), with a distinct membranous ligule and small or absent auricles
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system extending 2 to 3 feet or more into the soil, providing superior drought resistance compared to most cool-season grasses. Moderate establishment speed, forms a tough sod
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe; widely cultivated throughout North America, especially the transition zone and cool-temperate regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass that can form a moderately dense sward with short, rudimentary rhizomes in mature stands
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun to moderate shade. Moderate to high water needs for optimal appearance, but possesses excellent deep-root drought tolerance once established. Prefers well-drained loamy soils with pH 5.5 to 6.5
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 3.5 inches. Requires regular mowing during active growth, moderate fertilization (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually), occasional aeration, and low to medium overall maintenance
Special Characteristics
High wear and traffic tolerance, good resistance to common turf diseases and insects, moderate shade tolerance, exceptional drought recovery via deep roots, and strong erosion control capabilities
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for pasture and turf. Provides good wildlife cover and grazing value. Can act as a stabilizing ground cover on slopes and disturbed soils, preventing erosion and filtering runoff