Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, highly adapted to the transition zone
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9, excellent heat and drought tolerance for a cool-season grass, good cold tolerance
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type Tall Fescue (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Falcon', 'Titan')
About This Grass
Forms a moderately coarse, upright, and dense turf with bright to medium-dark green color, maintaining good color into late autumn; height can reach 2 to 4 feet if unmowed, but maintained at 2 to 3 inches for turf
Blade Characteristics
Medium to coarse width (4-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface and glossy undersides, pointed tips, rolled in the bud (vernation), with a short membranous ligule and small or absent auricles
Root System
Deep, robust fibrous root system extending up to 2-3 feet or more into the soil, moderate establishment speed, low-to-moderate thatch tendency, excellent drought avoidance due to deep roots
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely naturalized and cultivated in North America, performs best in temperate and transition zones
Growth Habit
Primarily bunch-type (clump-forming) with very short, occasional rhizomes, forming a dense upright canopy
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to moderate shade tolerant, moderate watering needs once established, excellent drought tolerance due to deep roots, prefers well-drained loamy soils with pH between 5.5 and 6.5
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height 2.5 to 4 inches, regular mowing frequency, fertilization needs around 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year, infrequent dethatching needed, medium maintenance level
Special Characteristics
High traffic and wear tolerance, good disease resistance (though susceptible to brown patch), moderate shade tolerance, exceptional drought recovery, poor salt tolerance, excellent for home lawns and sports fields
Ecological Information
Introduced species, provides good wildlife cover and erosion control due to extensive root systems, often blended with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass