Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Standard turf-type tall fescue cultivar
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4 through 9
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, bunch-forming cool-season grass with an upright growth habit, medium to dark green color, and high drought tolerance relative to other cool-season turfgrasses.
Blade Characteristics
Medium to coarse width (4-8mm), flat blades with pointed tips, prominent parallel veins, rolled in the bud (vernation).
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system going down several feet, providing excellent drought and heat tolerance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe; widely naturalized and cultivated across the United States
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass with short, underground rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade, moderate watering needs once established, highly drought tolerant.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow at 2.5 to 4 inches, moderate maintenance level, responds well to regular fertilization.
Special Characteristics
Good wear tolerance, deep roots aid in drought recovery, highly adaptable to the transition zone.
Ecological Information
Introduced species, provides good erosion control and soil stabilization due to deep root system.