Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass (Tolerant of transition zone)
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type Tall Fescue (TTTF) - generic multi-seed blend
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; Excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; remains green through most of winter unless temperatures drop significantly.
About This Grass
Dense, coarse-textured grass with a deep green color. Forms distinct bunches that can look patchy if the lawn is thin. Lacks a vigorous spreading mechanism, requiring overseeding to maintain density.
Blade Characteristics
Width: 3-5mm (medium-coarse); Shape: Flat; Tip: Pointed; Color: Dark green with prominent longitudinal veins; Vernation: Rolled in the bud; Ligule: Short, membranous; Auricles: Small or absent (occasionally short-ciliate); Margins: Rough/serrated.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (often 2-3 feet deep), giving it high drought resistance. Low thatch tendency due to bunch-forming habit.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; naturalized throughout North America
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with limited short rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade (more shade tolerant than most cool-season grasses); Water: Moderate; Drought Tolerance: High once established; Soil: Prefers well-drained soil but tolerant of clay and various pH (5.5-7.5).
Mowing & Maintenance
Height: 3.0 to 4.0 inches; Frequency: Weekly; Fertilizer: 2-4 lbs N per 1,000 sq ft per year; Maintenance Level: Medium; Regular overseeding needed in fall.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and traffic recovery; resistant to many turf diseases but susceptible to Brown Patch (Rhizoctonia solani) in high humidity.
Ecological Information
Introduced in North America; used heavily for soil stabilization and airfields. Can be invasive in native prairies but provides decent cover for small wildlife.