Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, well-suited for the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass and Pasture
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue cultivars (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Biltmore')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9, excellent transition zone performance, goes semi-dormant under extreme heat or drought.
About This Grass
Forms a moderately coarse, upright, bunch-type turf with a deep green color, high density when managed properly, and excellent tolerance to heat and drought relative to other cool-season grasses.
Blade Characteristics
Medium-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 fibrous root system going down several feet, providing excellent drought tolerance and moderate establishment speed, with low-to-moderate thatch tendency.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe, widely naturalized and cultivated across North America
Growth Habit
Bunch-type with short rhizomes, forming a dense turf over time
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade, moderate watering needs once established, excellent deep-root drought tolerance, prefers well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow at 2.0 to 3.5 inches, moderate fertilization needs (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year), regular aeration, and overseeding in fall as needed; medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance, good disease resistance, moderate shade tolerance, exceptional drought recovery ability, and very good erosion control due to deep roots.
Ecological Information
Introduced species with high utility for soil stabilization and turf, serving as a robust lawn and pasture component while providing cover for various ground-dwelling wildlife.