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, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF) - generic broad-leaf variety
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; highly successful in the 'Transition Zone' where other grasses struggle with heat.
About This Grass
Coarse-textured, upright growing grass forming dense clumps. It maintains a dark green color throughout the growing season and stays green longer into winter than most warm-season grasses. Seed heads are large, open panicles identifying as a typical meadow grass appearance.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse width (5-10mm), flat shape, pointed tip with sharp edges. Color is deep dark green with visible longitudinal veins on the upper surface. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is short, membranous, and finely ciliate. Auricles are absent or very small/blunt.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (reaching 2-3 feet deep), which provides excellent drought resistance and soil stability. Low thatch tendency due to bunch growth habit. Moderately slow establishment from seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; widely naturalized in North America and Australia
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); lacks significant rhizomes or stolons
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to moderate shade (prefers at least 4-6 hours of light). High drought tolerance once established; needs deep, infrequent watering. Adapts to wide pH range (5.5 to 7.5).
Mowing & Maintenance
High mowing height recommended (3.0 to 4.0 inches) to maintain root depth. Low to medium maintenance. Fertilize 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft annually, primarily in fall. Does not require frequent dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance for foot traffic, superior drought tolerance among cool-season grasses, good disease resistance (though susceptible to Brown Patch), and high heat tolerance.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides significant erosion control on slopes. Often contains beneficial endophytes (fungi) that deter insects. Frequently mixed with Kentucky Bluegrass for improved recovery characteristics.