Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass; highly suitable for the transition zone
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage, and Erosion Control
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9; excellent tolerance to both summer heat and winter cold in the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky 31 (KY-31) and various turf-type cultivars like 'Rebel' or 'Titan'
About This Grass
Forms a moderately coarse, upright clump-forming turf with deep green color; reaches heights of 2 to 4 feet if unmowed, maintained at 2 to 3.5 inches
Blade Characteristics
Medium to coarse width (4-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, pointed tips, rolled in the bud (vernation), with a short membranous ligule and small or absent auricles
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system going down 2 to 3 feet or more, conferring excellent drought tolerance and moderate to slow thatch formation
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe; widely cultivated and naturalized throughout North America, especially in the transition zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass forming dense tufts, though modern turf-types can have short rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun to partial shade; moderate water needs once established, highly drought-tolerant due to deep roots; prefers well-drained loamy soils with pH 5.5 to 6.5
Mowing & Maintenance
Maintain at 2.0 to 3.5 inches; mow regularly during active growth; moderate maintenance level requiring 2 to 4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually
Special Characteristics
Good traffic and wear tolerance, superior heat and drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses, good disease resistance, and fair shade tolerance
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for pasture, forage, and turf; provides good soil stabilization, erosion control, and wildlife habitat