Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF) - generic cultivar
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; has high heat tolerance for a cool-season grass and good cold hardiness. Remains green longer into winter than warm-season grasses.
About This Grass
Dense, upright growth habit with a dark green color. When mowed, it forms a thick carpet; unmowed, it can reach 2-4 feet. Seed heads are open panicles produced in late spring. Texture is medium-coarse.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is medium-coarse (3-5mm). Blades are flat, tapering to a pointed tip (not boat-shaped). Color is deep green with prominent longitudinal veins/ridges on the upper surface. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are small or absent (short-hairy).
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (can reach 3-6 feet deep), providing excellent drought tolerance. Low thatch-forming tendency compared to bluegrass. Establishment is moderate via seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; widely adapted to the Transition Zone of the United States
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clumping), occasionally produces short rhizomes in newer turf-type cultivars; slow spreading rate
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers Full Sun but has moderate shade tolerance. Requires 4-6 hours of direct sun. Moderate watering needs; highly drought-tolerant once established due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height: 2.0-4.0 inches. Frequency: weekly during peak growth. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually. Low to Medium maintenance level; requires occasional overseeding to repair bare spots due to bunching habit.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and traffic recovery. High resistance to summer brown patch (in newer cultivars). High salt tolerance and the best shade tolerance of the common cool-season 'utility' grasses.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides soil stabilization and erosion control. Often contains beneficial fungal endophytes that deter leaf-feeding insects. Frequently mixed with Kentucky Bluegrass for 'self-repairing' blends.