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/Forage, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF); variety unknown but exhibits the narrower blade typical of modern turf-type cultivars compared to 'Kentucky 31'
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7; excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season species; cold hardy but may experience tip burn in extreme freezes
About This Grass
A hardy, deep-rooted grass with a rich dark green color. It forms dense clumps that, when seeded heavily, create a uniform lawn. It maintains color well into the fall and stays green during mild winters.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width 3-5mm (medium-coarse); prominent longitudinal veins on top; smooth underside; pointed tips; rolled vernation; short membranous ligule; auricles absent or very small and non-clasping
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (often 2-3 feet deep); low thatch tendency; moderate establishment speed; excellent drought resistance due to root depth
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; widely adapted to the Transition Zone of the United States
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with occasional short rhizomes; dense vertical growth
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to moderate shade; high drought tolerance for a cool-season grass; prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5 to 7.5
Mowing & Maintenance
High mowing height (3.0 to 4.5 inches) recommended; mow weekly during spring/fall; 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually; medium maintenance level
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance; excellent shade tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses; resistant to many common lawn diseases like Dollar Spot but susceptible to Brown Patch in high humidity
Ecological Information
Introduced species; provides good soil stabilization for erosion control; seeds provide food for songbirds and upland game birds in pasture settings; often used in blends with Kentucky Bluegrass