Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, perennial, C3 grass, widely used as a transition zone grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Biltmore', 'Titan')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9. Excellent heat and drought tolerance for a cool-season grass, highly successful in the transition zone.
About This Grass
Forms a moderately dense, coarse-textured bunch-type turf with an upright growth habit. Bright to dark green color, maintains color well into winter. Height ranges from 2 to 4 inches when maintained as turf, up to several feet if unmowed.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades (4-8mm wide), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, pointed tips, rolled in the bud (vernation). Features a membranous ligule and small, blunt auricles.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system going down several feet, excellent for drought tolerance and erosion control. Moderate establishment speed with low thatch-forming tendency.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely naturalized and cultivated across North America and temperate regions worldwide
Growth Habit
Bunch-type growth habit with short, underground rhizomes forming dense tufts
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun to partial shade with good shade tolerance for a cool-season grass. Moderate water needs once established, exceptionally drought tolerant due to deep roots.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches. Medium maintenance level requiring regular mowing, moderate fertilization, and occasional overseeding to fill in sparse areas.
Special Characteristics
Good wear tolerance, high resistance to major turf diseases compared to other cool-season grasses, good salt tolerance, excellent drought and heat tolerance.
Ecological Information
Widely used for erosion control and soil stabilization. Provides habitat and cover for wildlife. Considered non-invasive in turf settings, though older forage varieties can naturalize in pastures.