Tall Fescue (with a prominent clump of Crabgrass weed in the center)
Schedonorus arundinaceus (Turf weed: Digitaria sanguinalis) · Cool-season (C3) perennial turf grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue blends
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9
About This Grass
Medium to dark green turf with fine to medium texture, featuring a distinctive coarser lighter-green crabgrass weed clump invading the center
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-coarse width (4-8mm for the weed, 2-5mm for fescue), flat, with pointed tips and prominent veins
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system providing excellent drought tolerance for tall fescue
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe, widely naturalized and cultivated across North America
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) for tall fescue; crabgrass is a spreading annual
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to moderate shade; requires moderate watering once established
Mowing & Maintenance
Maintain at 2.5 to 4 inches; medium maintenance level
Special Characteristics
Good drought tolerance, high heat and wear tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses
Ecological Information
Introduced species, widely used for erosion control, durable lawns, and pastures