Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, highly successful in the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
'Rebel IV' or similar turf-type tall fescue cultivar
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 7, highly tolerant of the transition zone's hot summers and cold winters
About This Grass
A deep-rooted, coarse-textured bunchgrass that grows in dense clumps. It features a dark green color, upright growth habit, and high resilience against heat and drought compared to other cool-season grasses.
Blade Characteristics
Medium to coarse texture (4-8mm wide), flat blades with prominent veins on the upper surface, pointed tips, rolled in the bud (vernation), with a short membranous ligule and no auricles
Root System
Deep fibrous root system going down several feet, excellent for drought tolerance and erosion control, medium to fast establishment from seed
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely naturalized and cultivated across North America, particularly well-suited to the transition zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass that forms moderately dense clumps with occasional short rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to partial shade; requires moderate watering once established but has superior drought tolerance compared to Kentucky bluegrass
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow at 2.5 to 4 inches height; moderate maintenance level requiring regular mowing, moderate fertilization, and occasional overseeding
Special Characteristics
High traffic and wear tolerance, good disease resistance, deep roots for drought resistance, adapts well to various soil types
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for turf and pasture; provides good erosion control and soil stabilization with moderate wildlife value