Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF) - generic multi-cultivar blend
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7; excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; moderate cold tolerance; remains green into early winter.
About This Grass
A robust, upright grass with a medium-coarse texture and a deep green color. Under unmowed conditions, it can reach 3-4 feet in height. It maintains color well in heat compared to other cool-season grasses.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width 4-10mm (medium to coarse); flat shape with a pointed tip; dark green with prominent longitudinal veins (ribbed upper surface); rolled vernation in the bud; membranous ligule; auricles short or absent.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system, often extending 2-3 feet deep, providing excellent drought tolerance. Low thatch-forming tendency; moderate establishment speed from seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; widely adapted to the Transition Zone and temperate regions of North America.
Growth Habit
Predominantly bunch-type (clump-forming); some newer cultivars possess short rhizomes. Slow to spread, forming a dense but non-matting sod.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade (4-6 hours minimum); moderate water needs but possesses high drought avoidance due to root depth; prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Height: 3.0-4.0 inches; frequency: weekly during peak growth; fertilization: 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year; maintenance level: Medium.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance; excellent drought tolerance; good shade tolerance compared to Kentucky Bluegrass; susceptible to Brown Patch disease in humid summers.
Ecological Information
Introduced species; provides soil stabilization for slopes; useful for forage but often contains endophytes (Acremonium coenophialum) that protect the grass while potentially affecting livestock.