Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season perennial, C3 grass, highly adaptable to the transition zone
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9, excellent heat and cold tolerance, well-suited for the transition zone, remains green longer into winter than warm-season grasses
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Variety / Cultivar
'Rebel IV' or similar turf-type tall fescue cultivars, known for dark green color and improved density
About This Grass
Forms upright, dense clumps with coarse-textured, bright to dark green leaves. Can grow up to 2-4 feet tall if left unmowed, but maintained as turf at 2-3 inches. Features prominent vertical growth with a coarse appearance.
Blade Characteristics
Medium to coarse width (4-8mm), flat shape with pointed tips, medium to dark green color, rolled in the bud (vernation), prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, with a short membranous ligule and small or absent auricles
Root System
Deep root system extending up to 2-3 feet or more into the soil, fibrous, moderate to fast establishment, low thatch-forming tendency, providing excellent drought avoidance and good wear recovery
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely cultivated throughout the United States and particularly adapted to the transition zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass that can form a moderately dense turf through short, underground rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade, requires moderate watering once established, good drought tolerance due to deep roots, adapts well to a wide range of well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height of 2.0 to 3.5 inches, mowed weekly during active growth, fertilization needs of 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year, low to medium maintenance level
Special Characteristics
Good traffic and wear tolerance, excellent drought and heat tolerance for a cool-season grass, moderate shade tolerance, good disease resistance, strong erosion control capabilities
Ecological Information
Introduced species, provides good ground cover and soil stabilization, low invasive tendency in managed turf, often blended with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass
Notes
Apple valley ca