Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF), likely a modern multi-cultivar blend
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; adapts well to the Transition Zone due to high heat tolerance compared to Bluegrass or Ryegrass.
About This Grass
A robust, deep-rooted cool-season grass with a medium-to-coarse texture. It maintains a dark green color throughout the growing season and stays green longer in minor drought or winter cold compared to other cool-season grasses.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is medium (3-4mm), flat with prominent longitudinal veins on the upper surface. The tips are pointed (not boat-shaped). Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are small or absent but typically have short hairs (ciliate).
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (often reaching 2-3 feet deep), low thatch tendency, moderate establishment speed from seed. High drought tolerance due to root depth.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; widely naturalized in North America, particularly the Transition Zone.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) occasionally with short, weak rhizomes; slow lateral spread, forms a dense sod when seeded heavily.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; requires at least 4-6 hours of sun. Moderate water needs but excellent drought avoidance. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 3.0-4.0 inches. Mowing frequency is moderate. Requires 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. Low-to-medium maintenance; requires periodic overseeding to maintain density since it does not spread via stolons.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance once established; good disease resistance to typical turf pathogens except Brown Patch in high humidity; excellent salt and shade tolerance for a cool-season grass.
Ecological Information
Introduced species; effective for soil stabilization and erosion control on slopes. Often mixed with 5-10% Kentucky Bluegrass to improve recovery from damage and fill in bare spots.