Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, highly adaptable to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Pasture/Forage Grass and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky-31 (KY-31), widely utilized for pastures and erosion control
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9, highly tolerant of the extreme heat and humidity found in the transition zone
About This Grass
Forms a deep-rooted, coarse-textured sward reaching heights of 2 to 4 feet when left unmowed. Displays a medium to dark green color during active growth seasons, turning a lighter straw color during winter dormancy.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades greater than 4mm in width, flat shape with pointed tips, prominent veins on the upper surface, rolled in the bud (vernation), with a narrow membranous ligule and small or absent auricles
Root System
Extremely deep fibrous root system reaching depths of 3 to 4 feet, low thatch tendency, moderate establishment speed from seed, excellent drought avoidance due to deep roots
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely naturalized and cultivated across North America, particularly in the transition zone and upper South
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass with short, underground rhizomes that can form a moderately dense clump
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun but has good partial shade tolerance. Requires moderate watering once established, highly drought-resistant due to deep roots, prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0
Mowing & Maintenance
Maintained at 2 to 3.5 inches for lawns, but often left unmowed or grazed at higher heights in pasture settings. Low to medium maintenance requirement with fertilization needs around 2 to 4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear tolerance, good resistance to major turf diseases, moderate salt tolerance, excellent drought recovery, and superior erosion control on slopes
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for livestock forage, wildlife cover, and soil stabilization. Can act as an endophyte-infected grass providing insect resistance, though management is needed for livestock grazing safety