Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass; highly adapted to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue varieties (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Titan', 'Biltmore')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 7 (and into 9 in cooler maritime areas); excellent heat and cold tolerance for a cool-season grass
About This Grass
Forms a relatively coarse to medium-textured turf with an upright growth habit. Can grow up to 2-4 feet tall if left unmowed, but maintained lawns are kept at 2-3 inches. Features a rich medium-to-dark green color and maintains its green color longer into winter than many other cool-season grasses.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-to-coarse in width (4-8 mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, and smooth and shiny underneath. Tip is pointed. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Features a short membranous ligule, small or absent auricles, and a distinct collar.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system reaching down 2 to 3 feet or more, contributing to exceptional drought tolerance and moderate thatch-forming tendency. Establishes relatively quickly from seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely cultivated throughout North America, especially in the transition zone and cooler regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass that forms moderately dense clumps, though some modern turf-type varieties possess short rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to moderate shade. Requires moderate watering once established, with superior drought tolerance compared to Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass due to its deep roots. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches. Mowing frequency is moderate during rapid spring and fall growth. Fertilization needs are moderate (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). Medium maintenance level overall.
Special Characteristics
High wear and traffic tolerance, excellent drought and heat tolerance among cool-season grasses, good disease resistance, fair shade tolerance, and strong erosion control capabilities due to its deep root system.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for pasture and turf. Provides good ground cover and soil stabilization, reduces erosion, filters runoff water, and serves as a durable turf option requiring fewer inputs than Kentucky bluegrass.