Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF); likely a modern blend such as 'Rebel' or 'Titan' series
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; highly suited for the 'Transition Zone'. Possesses excellent heat tolerance and moderate cold hardiness.
About This Grass
A hardy, deep-rooted grass with a dense growth habit and medium-coarse texture. Displays a dark emerald green color and remains green late into autumn. Forms a uniform sod when seeded heavily.
Blade Characteristics
Medium-coarse (3-5mm), flat shape, pointed tip, dark green. Features prominent longitudinal veins/ridges on the upper surface. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are small or absent (non-clasping).
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (up to 2-3 feet depth), slow thatch builder, moderate establishment speed. Deep roots provide excellent drought tolerance and stability.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; naturalized across North America and Australia
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); some modern cultivars feature short rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers 4-6 hours of sun. Moderate water needs with high drought tolerance for a cool-season grass. Prefers well-drained soil (pH 5.5-7.5).
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 3.0-4.0 inches. Requires frequent mowing during spring/fall. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year. Medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High traffic/wear tolerance, excellent disease resistance (though susceptible to Brown Patch), drought-resistant, and better shade tolerance than most cool-season grasses.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides soil stabilization on slopes. Often mixed with Kentucky Bluegrass for improved wear and shade performance in low-diversity landscapes.