Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF) blend
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7; widely utilized in the 'Transition Zone' due to heat tolerance. Goes semi-dormant in extreme heat/drought or extreme cold.
About This Grass
A coarse to medium-textured grass forming dense clumps. It features a deep green color and vertical growth. Unmowed, it can reach 2-4 feet with panicle seed heads. In the image, it is seen showing signs of environmental stress or fungal disease (likely Brown Patch), resulting in localized browning/dormancy.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width 3-6mm (medium-coarse); flat shape with a distinctly pointed tip. Parallel venation with prominent ridges on the upper surface. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are small or absent (short and blunt if present).
Root System
Deep fibrous root system, often reaching 2-3 feet deep, providing superior drought tolerance for a cool-season grass. Low thatch-former. Moderate establishment speed from seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; widely naturalized in North America across the transition zone and northern regions.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); occasionally short rhizomes in specific cultivars; low spreading rate.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Preferred Full Sun to Partial Shade (4-6 hours minimum). High drought tolerance once established; needs approx. 1 inch of water per week in summer to maintain green color. Tolerant of a wide range of soil pH (5.5-7.5).
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height 2.5-4.0 inches (performs best when kept high). High frequency in spring/fall. Fertilization 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft per year. Low to Medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and traffic durability. High heat tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses. Susceptible to Brown Patch (Rhizoctonia solani) in hot, humid conditions (as suggested by the image). Good shade tolerance for a cool-season grass.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides soil stabilization on slopes. Can become invasive in native prairie settings. Often mixed with 5-10% Kentucky Bluegrass for better sod knitting and self-repairing capabilities.