Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass; highly adaptable as a transition zone grass.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Biltmore', 'Falcon')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9. Excellent heat and cold tolerance for a cool-season grass, making it a primary choice for the transition zone.
About This Grass
Forms a moderately dense, coarse-textured bunch-type turf with an upright growth habit. Bright to dark green in color. Unmowed, it can grow up to 2-4 feet tall, but when maintained as a lawn, it forms a uniform turf.
Blade Characteristics
Medium to coarse texture (width 4-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface and a shiny underside. Pointed tip. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is a very short membrane, and auricles are blunt and clasping.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system (can reach depths of 2-3 feet or more), allowing for excellent drought avoidance. Establishes relatively quickly from seed. Moderate thatch-forming tendency.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe; widely naturalized and cultivated across North America, particularly in the transition zone and northern regions.
Growth Habit
Densely tufted bunch-type grass, though modern turf-type varieties can have short, rudimentary rhizomes.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun to moderate shade. Requires moderate watering once established; highly drought-tolerant due to its deep root system. Prefers well-drained loamy or clay 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 the active spring/fall growing seasons. Low to medium maintenance level, requiring 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually.
Special Characteristics
Good wear and traffic tolerance, excellent drought recovery, good shade tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses, and fair disease resistance. Moderate salt tolerance.
Ecological Information
Widely used for soil stabilization and erosion control due to its deep root structure. Provides good ground cover and is often blended with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass.