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 (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Titan') featuring finer blades and darker green color than older agricultural varieties like 'Kentucky 31'
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 7 (and into 8 with irrigation); excellent transition zone performance, tolerating both summer heat and winter cold well.
About This Grass
Forms a moderately coarse, upright clump-forming turf with deep green color and high density when maintained properly. Mows cleanly if blades are sharp, but dull blades cause frayed, whitish tips. Height can reach 2 to 4 feet if unmoved, but maintained at 2 to 3 inches.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse texture (4-8mm width), flat shape with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface and a shiny underside. Pointed tip. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Features a short membranous ligule and small or absent auricles.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system going down 2 to 3 feet or more, providing exceptional drought tolerance. Moderate establishment speed from seed, low thatch-forming tendency.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; widely cultivated and naturalized across North America, especially in the transition zone and cooler regions
Growth Habit
Primarily bunch-type (clump-forming), though modern turf-type varieties can produce very short, weak rhizomes forming a moderately dense sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun but has good shade tolerance compared to other cool-season turfgrasses. Requires moderate watering once established; highly drought-tolerant due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained loamy soils with pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 3.5 inches. Mow weekly during peak growth. Fertilization requires 2 to 4 lbs N per 1,000 sq ft annually. Medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High traffic and wear tolerance, good disease resistance (though susceptible to brown patch in hot, humid weather), excellent drought recovery, good shade tolerance, poor salt tolerance, excellent erosion control.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely naturalized; provides good wildlife cover and habitat. Excellent for soil stabilization and water filtration on slopes due to its deep root system. Commonly blended with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass.