Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass; highly adaptable to the transition zone.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
'Rebel IV' or similar turf-type tall fescue cultivars known for improved density, darker green color, and finer texture than older forage types.
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 7, highly successful in the transition zone.
About This Grass
Forms a moderately dense turf with a coarse to medium texture. Unmowed height can reach 2 to 4 feet, but when maintained as a lawn it is kept at 2.5 to 4 inches. Color ranges from medium to dark green. Exhibits good heat and drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-coarse (typically 4-8mm wide), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface and a shiny underside. Tip is pointed. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Features a short, membranous ligule and small, blunt auricles that clasp the stem.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system (can reach depths of 2 to 3 feet or more), providing exceptional drought tolerance and soil stabilization. Moderate to slow establishment speed from seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and parts of North Africa and Asia; introduced to North America where it is now widely cultivated and naturalized, especially in the transition zone.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) grass, though modern turf-type varieties can exhibit short, underground rhizomes that help form a moderately dense sward.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun to partial shade (more shade tolerant than many warm-season grasses and Kentucky bluegrass). Requires moderate watering once established; high drought tolerance due to deep roots.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches. Mow weekly during peak growth. Requires moderate fertilization (2 to 4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). Low to medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Good wear and traffic tolerance, excellent drought and heat tolerance for a cool-season grass, good disease resistance, moderate shade tolerance, and strong erosion control capabilities due to deep roots.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides good wildlife cover and erosion control on slopes. Often blended with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass to improve turf density and recovery.