Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, and Erosion Control grass
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF); variety unknown but exhibiting the narrower leaf blades and more compact growth characteristic of modern lawn selections.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7; excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; remains green through most winters in the Transition Zone.
About This Grass
A coarse to medium-textured grass with a deep green color. In an unmowed state, it can reach 3-4 feet; maintained, it forms a dense, durable turf. It is noted for its ability to stay green during heat stress compared to other cool-season grasses.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is medium (3-5mm) with prominent vertical veins/ridges on the upper surface. Leaf tips are sharply pointed. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are small and typically lack hairs (glabrous). Lower sheath is often reddish-purple at the base.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system, often reaching 2-3 feet deep, providing superior drought tolerance. Low thatch-former; moderate establishment speed from seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; widely adapted throughout North America, especially the Transition Zone.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with limited short rhizomes; lacks aggressive spreading capability, resulting in distinct clumps if the lawn is thin.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Preferred Full Sun but possesses moderate shade tolerance (4-6 hours direct light). High water needs during establishment; high drought tolerance once mature. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5 to 7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 3.0 to 4.0 inches. Frequent mowing required during spring/fall. Fertilize with 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. High maintenance for turf quality due to lack of self-repair (requires periodic overseeding).
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance once established. Moderately resistant to most diseases but susceptible to Brown Patch in high humidity. Excellent salt tolerance and soil stabilization properties.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides habitat for small mammals and birds in hayfields. Often mixed with Kentucky Bluegrass for better sod strength and self-repairing capabilities.