Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky-31 or similar forage-type / older turf-type
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; highly successful in the 'Transition Zone' where both heat and cold are common.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, deep-rooted grass that grows in distinct clumps. It maintains a medium-to-dark green color throughout the growing season and stays green longer into winter than most warm-season grasses. When unmowed, it produces tall seed stalks with panicle-type seed heads.
Blade Characteristics
Wide blades (5-10mm), flat, with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface. The tips are pointed (tapered). The underside of the leaf is smooth and shiny. It features rolled vernation in the bud, a short membranous ligule, and small, rounded or blunt auricles that may have tiny hairs.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system, often reaching 2-3 feet deep. Low thatch tendency due to bunching habit. It establishes moderately fast from seed and provides excellent soil stabilization.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; naturalized throughout North America
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); occasionally displays short, weak rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; possesses the best shade tolerance among cool-season grasses. Moderate water needs with high drought tolerance once established due to its deep roots. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5 to 7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
2.5 to 4 inches recommended height. Low to medium maintenance level. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year. Frequent overseeding is often required to maintain density since it does not spread by stolons.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and heat resistance compared to other cool-season grasses. Resistant to many common turf diseases but susceptible to Brown Patch in humid, hot conditions. High salt tolerance.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides excellent erosion control on slopes. Offers limited wildlife value but provides cover for small mammals. Can be invasive in native prairie restorations. Often blended with Kentucky Bluegrass for improved traffic recovery.