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), potentially a variety like 'Titan' or 'Rebel'
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; adapts best to the Transition Zone where it survives both cold winters and hot summers.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, deep green grass forming dense clumps. It maintains color well in heat compared to other cool-season grasses. Seed heads are large, open panicles if left unmowed.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is coarse (4-10mm), flat, with prominent longitudinal veins on the upper surface and a dull underside. Tips are pointed (decidedly not boat-shaped). Vernation is rolled. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are small or absent but typically have short hairs.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (often 2-3 feet deep), giving it excellent drought resistance. It does not form a significant thatch layer due to lack of spreading structures.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; widely naturalized across North America, particularly the US Transition Zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); lacks significant rhizomes or stolons; spreads via tillering
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers partial to full sun (4-6 hours minimum); excellent drought tolerance for a cool-season grass; prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5-7.5).
Mowing & Maintenance
High mowing height recommended (3-4 inches) to protect the crown and shade roots. Requires medium maintenance; overseeding is necessary to repair bare patches since it does not spread.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance once established; good shade tolerance compared to other lawn grasses; resistant to many common turf diseases but susceptible to Brown Patch in high humidity.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America; provides forage for livestock in pastures; excellent for soil stabilization and erosion control on slopes due to deep roots.