Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass; highly adaptive transition zone grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Pasture/Forage, Turf Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky-31 (K-31) or similar foraging-type cultivar
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7. Excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; remains green longer into winter than warm-season species.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, deep-rooted grass forming distinct clumps. Exhibits a medium-to-dark green color and can reach 3-4 feet if left unmowed. Inflorescence is a branched panicle, often nodding.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse width (5-10mm), flat shape with pointed tips and prominent longitudinal veins on upper surface. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is short, membranous, and truncated. Auricles are small and often fringed with short hairs.
Root System
Extremely deep fibrous root system (up to 3-6 feet deep). Low thatch-forming tendency compared to Kentucky Bluegrass. Slow-to-moderate establishment speed but excellent drought avoidance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; naturalized across North America and temperate regions worldwide
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clumping). Spreads slowly via short rhizomes but lacks broad lateral spreading capabilities
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade (moderate shade tolerance). Requires regular water for lush turf but survives on minimal water due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5 to 7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height 3.0-4.0 inches for turf; higher for pasture. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year. Low-to-medium maintenance; requires periodic overseeding as it doesn't fill in bare spots quickly.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance for foot traffic, superior drought resistance, high salt tolerance, and moderate shade tolerance. Vulnerable to brown patch (Rhizoctonia) in humid heat.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Invasive in some native prairies. High value for soil stabilization and erosion control. Often contains beneficial endophytes that improve pest resistance but can be toxic to some livestock if not managed.