Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf and Pasture Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Likely a forage-type or 'K-31' variety
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7; highly adaptable to the transition zone where summers are too hot for bluegrass and winters too cold for bermuda.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, clump-forming grass that remains green throughout the year in many climates. It grows in dense tufts that stand out significantly against finer-textured turf grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades (>4mm width) with prominent longitudinal veins or ribs on the upper surface. The tips are pointed, and the leaf edges are often serrated or rough to the touch. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are small or absent (short-hairy).
Root System
Deep fibrous root system, often reaching 2-3 feet deep, allowing for superior heat and drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses. It does not form a dense sod because it lack spreading structures.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; widely naturalized in North America across the transition zone and northern regions.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); lacks rhizomes or stolons, leading to the distinct clumping shown in the image.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade (moderate shade tolerance). Moderate watering needs, though it is one of the most drought-tolerant cool-season grasses due to deep rooting. Prefers pH 5.5 to 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Recommended mowing height is 3.0-4.0 inches. Lower mowing can stress the plant. Requires 2-4 lbs of Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually. Maintenance level is low to medium.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and traffic resistance. Highly resistant to many common turf diseases. Can become a weed in manicured lawns due to its bunch-type habit and coarse texture creating uneven patches.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Widely used for erosion control on slopes and for high-durability pastures. Often contains beneficial fungal endophytes that improve stress resistance but can be harmful to certain livestock if over-consumed.