Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF); likely a modern blend of cultivars such as 'Titan Ltd' or 'Rebel' series
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7 (best in Transition Zone); excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; remains green through mild winters.
About This Grass
A dense, bunching grass with a deep green color. Maintained height usually 3-4 inches; can reach 3-4 feet if left unmowed. Known for its coarse to medium texture and resilience in varying climates.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blade width (4-8mm), flat shape, pointed tip, dark green color, rolled vernation, prominent veins on the upper surface, absent auricles, and a short membranous ligule.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (up to 2-3 feet deep), low thatch tendency, medium establishment speed from seed, excellent drought tolerance due to depth.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; now widely naturalized throughout the United States, especially in the Transition Zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); very limited short rhizomes may be present in newer cultivars
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun to Partial Shade (requires at least 4-6 hours of sun); moderate watering needs; highest drought tolerance among cool-season grasses; prefers pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 3.0-4.0 inches; weekly frequency; fertilization 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually; low to medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance once established; high resistance to heat and drought; improved shade tolerance compared to Kentucky Bluegrass; susceptible to Brown Patch in high humidity.
Ecological Information
Introduced species; provides soil stabilization for erosion control; safe for livestock except when infected with endophytes (detrimental to grazing horses); often blended with Kentucky Bluegrass.