Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky-31 (K-31) or similar forage-type fescue
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; highly adaptable to the 'Transition Zone'. Excellent heat tolerance and good cold hardiness.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, clump-forming grass that remains green year-round in many climates. It forms distinct bunches when isolated, with a deep green color and prominent vertical growth.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width coarse (>4mm), flat shape, pointed tip. Visible longitudinal ridges (veins) on upper surface, glossy/shiny underside. Rolled vernation in the bud. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are small or absent (short hairs may be present).
Root System
Extremely deep fibrous root system (often 2-3 feet deep), low thatch tendency, slow recovery from wear due to lack of stolons/rhizomes.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; naturalized extensively across temperate North America
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); very limited short rhizomes possible but primarily spreads through crowning
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to moderate shade; requires 4-6 hours of sun. High drought tolerance for a cool-season grass due to deep roots; prefers pH 5.5 to 7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 3.0-4.0 inches. Recommended low-to-medium maintenance; fertilizer needs 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year. Requires periodic overseeding to fill gaps.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance once established, high salt tolerance, and superior drought resistance compared to Kentucky Bluegrass. Highly resistant to many common turf diseases.
Ecological Information
Introduced status; used for soil stabilization and forage. Can be invasive in native prairies but provides significant erosion control on slopes.