Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, highly adapted to the transition zone
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage, and Erosion Control
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. Excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass, good cold tolerance, and the premier choice for the transition zone.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky 31 (KY-31)
About This Grass
Tall Fescue is a coarse-textured, deep-green bunchgrass that grows in clumps but can form a uniform lawn when seeded heavily. Height reaches 2 to 4 feet if left unmowed. It maintains a deep green color longer into drought and cold conditions than many other cool-season grasses.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse texture with blade width ranging from 4 to 10mm. Blades are flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface and a shiny underside. Tip is sharply pointed. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is short and membranous, and auricles are absent.
Root System
Exceptionally deep fibrous root system, often growing 2 to 3 feet deep into the soil. Low thatch-forming tendency, moderate establishment speed from seed, and provides superior drought avoidance and good wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely cultivated throughout the United States, especially in the transition zone and parts of the Pacific Northwest
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass with short, underground rhizomes, forming a moderately dense clump-forming sward
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to partial shade (more shade tolerant than Kentucky Bluegrass or Bermuda). Requires moderate moisture once established, has superior drought tolerance among cool-season grasses, and prefers well-drained loamy soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches. Mowing frequency is weekly during peak spring and fall growth. Fertilization requires 2 to 4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year. Moderate overall maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High traffic and wear tolerance, good resistance to most major turf diseases, moderate salt tolerance, excellent shade tolerance, exceptional drought recovery, and good erosion control due to deep roots.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for pasture and turf. Provides good wildlife cover and erosion control on slopes and roadsides. Often blended with Kentucky Bluegrass or Perennial Ryegrass in turf applications.