Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, highly adapted to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky 31 (KY-31)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9, excellent heat and cold tolerance, ideal for the transition zone, goes semi-dormant under extreme drought or freezing conditions.
About This Grass
Tall Fescue grows in upright clumps with a coarse texture and medium-dark green color. Unmowed, it can reach heights of 2 to 4 feet, but when maintained as a lawn it stays at 2 to 3 inches. It features distinct pointed blade tips and a rough margin along the leaf edge.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades wider than 4mm, flat shape with pointed tips, medium-dark green color, rolled in the bud (vernation), prominent parallel veins, narrow membranous ligule, and small blunt auricles.
Root System
Deep root system going down 2 to 3 feet, fibrous with occasional short rhizomes, low thatch tendency, moderate establishment speed, excellent drought tolerance due to depth.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely cultivated throughout North America, especially in the transition zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass that can form a slightly sod-forming, dense clump over time with short rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to moderate shade, requires about 1 inch of water per week once established, high drought tolerance, prefers well-drained loamy soils with pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches, mow weekly during active growth, fertilization needs are moderate at 2 to 4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually, medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Good traffic and wear tolerance, good disease resistance against brown patch, moderate shade tolerance, excellent drought recovery, does not go completely dormant in mild winters, excellent erosion control.
Ecological Information
Introduced species, provides good wildlife habitat and cover, strong soil stabilization due to deep roots, low invasive tendency in managed lawns but can naturalize in pastures, often blended with Kentucky bluegrass.