Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass (Tolerant of transition zones)
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky-31 (K-31) or similar 'Forage-type' to 'Turf-type' transition variety
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7 (best performance) but grows in 2-9; exceptional heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; exhibits minimal winter dormancy except in extreme cold.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, clump-forming grass that remains green year-round in many climates. It forms a dense, deep-rooted tuft. In unmowed states, it can reach 3-4 feet with open panicle seed heads. Texture is typically rough and coarse compared to bluegrass.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is coarse (5-10mm); flat shape with a pointed tip; color is a medium to dark dull green; vernation is rolled in the bud; prominent veins on the upper surface with a rough leaf margin; ligule is short and membranous; auricles are small to absent, often with short hairs.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (can reach 2-3 feet deep); low thatch-forming tendency; slow to moderate establishment speed from seed; excellent drought tolerance due to depth.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; naturalized extensively in the United States, especially the transition zone and mid-south.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); lacks significant rhizomes or stolons, leading to a distinct tufted appearance.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun to Partial Shade (highly shade tolerant for a cool-season grass); 4-6 hours minimum sun; moderate water needs; prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height 2.5-4.0 inches; frequency weekly during peak growth; 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually; low to medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High traffic/wear tolerance; good resistance to Brown Patch and Leaf Spot; high salt tolerance; excellent drought recovery; best cool-season grass for shade.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides forage for livestock and nesting cover for ground birds; excellent soil stabilizer for slopes; can be invasive in native prairie restorations.