Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF), likely a blend of improved cultivars such as 'Falcon' or 'Rebel' series
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; has high heat tolerance for its species and excellent cold hardiness, though it may thin out in extreme southern heat.
About This Grass
A coarse to medium-textured grass forming dense clumps. It maintains a deep green color throughout the growing season and stays green longer into winter than most warm-season grasses. It reaches 2-4 feet if unmowed with open panicle seed heads.
Blade Characteristics
Width: 3-5mm (medium-coarse); flat shape with a distinctly pointed tip; color is medium to dark green; vernation is rolled in the bud; leaf surface has prominent parallel veins (ridges) on the upper side and is smooth/shiny on the underside. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are small or absent (short hairs may be present).
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (often reaching 2-3 feet deep), giving it superior drought tolerance. It is a slow producer of thatch and has a moderate establishment speed from seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; widely naturalized in North America, performing best in the Transition Zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); very limited short rhizomes may be present in certain improved varieties
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun to Partial Shade (excellent shade tolerance for a cool-season grass); needs 4-6 hours of sun; moderate water needs but possesses high drought avoidance due to deep roots; prefers pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 3.0-4.0 inches; frequency should increase in spring/fall; requires 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually; annual core aeration and periodic overseeding are recommended as it does not spread via runners.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and traffic durability; high resistance to heat and drought; moderate shade tolerance; susceptible to Brown Patch in high humidity; good salt tolerance.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized; provides ground cover for small mammals and seed for birds; excellent for soil stabilization and preventing erosion on slopes; often mixed with Kentucky Bluegrass for improved wear and disease resistance.