Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, highly adapted to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Falcon', 'Biltmore')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9, excellent heat and cold tolerance, very well-suited for the transition zone
About This Grass
Forms a moderately coarse, upright clump with deep roots and a dark green color; unmanaged plants can reach up to 3 to 4 feet in height
Blade Characteristics
Medium to coarse width (4-6mm), flat shape with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, pointed tips, rolled in the bud (vernation)
Root System
Deep fibrous root system going down 2 to 3 feet or more, excellent drought tolerance, establishes moderately fast
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely naturalized and cultivated across North America and temperate regions worldwide
Growth Habit
Bunch-type forming dense clumps, though modern turf-types can have short rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade, moderate watering needs once established, highly drought tolerant due to deep roots
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow at 2.5 to 4 inches, moderate fertilizer requirements (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually), medium maintenance level
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance, good disease resistance, moderate shade tolerance, exceptional drought recovery, excellent erosion control
Ecological Information
Introduced species, valuable for wildlife cover and pasture forage, stabilizes soil effectively on slopes and disturbed areas