Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season perennial, C3 grass, highly well-adapted to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue cultivars (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Falcon', 'Titan')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9, excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass, highly suitable for the transition zone, goes semi-dormant under extreme drought or cold
About This Grass
A medium to coarse-textured bunch-type grass forming a dense, upright turf with a rich dark green color. Height ranges from 2 to 3.5 inches when maintained, and up to 24-36 inches if unmowed. Produces an open panicle seed head at maturity.
Blade Characteristics
Medium to coarse width (4-8mm), flat shape with prominent parallel veins, pointed tips, dark green color, rolled vernation in the bud, and a membranous ligule with small or absent auricles
Root System
Deep fibrous root system going down 2 to 3 feet or more, low to moderate thatch-forming tendency, medium-fast establishment speed, provides excellent drought tolerance and good wear recovery
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely cultivated throughout North America, particularly the transition zone and cooler regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass that can form a somewhat dense sward through short, underground rhizomes when mature
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade tolerant, requires moderate watering once established, excellent drought tolerance due to deep roots, prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches, mow weekly during active growth, fertilization needs are moderate (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year), low to medium maintenance level
Special Characteristics
Good traffic and wear tolerance, strong disease and insect resistance compared to other cool-season grasses, good shade tolerance, excellent drought recovery, widely used for home lawns and sports fields
Ecological Information
Introduced species, provides good wildlife cover and erosion control due to its deep root system, commonly blended with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass in turf seed mixes