Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF), generic cultivar
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; excellent heat tolerance for its type; good cold hardiness; remains green in winter in transition zones; goes dormant in extreme cold.
About This Grass
A coarse to medium-textured grass with a deep green color. Forms dense bunches that can appear as isolated tufts if not seeded heavily. Stems are stout and reach 2-4 feet if unmowed. Dark green color is maintained well into autumn.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blade width (4-10mm); flat shape with prominent longitudinal veins on the upper surface; pointed tips; dark green color; rolled vernation; short membranous ligule; auricles are small or absent (usually blunt/rounded if present) and may have short hairs.
Root System
Extremely deep fibrous root system (up to 2-3 feet); low thatch tendency; moderate establishment speed from seed; excellent wear recovery and highest drought tolerance among cool-season grasses.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; widely adapted to the Transition Zone and temperate regions of North America
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with limited short rhizomes; lacks stolons; high density within clumps
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to moderate shade (excellent shade tolerance for a cool-season grass); 4-6 hours direct sun minimum; moderate watering needs; adaptable to a wide range of soil pH (5.5-7.5).
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.0-4.0 inches; mowing frequency high during spring/fall; 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year; low dethatching needs; annual overseeding recommended to fill gaps; Medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic tolerance; resistant to many turf diseases but susceptible to Brown Patch (Rhizoctonia) in high humidity; highly drought tolerant due to deep roots; moderate salt tolerance.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides forage for livestock (though tall fescue toxicosis is a concern if endophyte-infected); effective for erosion control on slopes; often blended with Kentucky Bluegrass for improved traffic and drought performance.