Tall Fescue (mixed with Yellow Woodsorrel)
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf and Pasture Grass (currently functioning as a mown lawn mixed with clover-like woodsorrel)
Variety / Cultivar
Common or Turf-Type Tall Fescue (cultivar unknown from image)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; highly tolerant of heat and cold within the transition zone; stays green longer in winter than warm-season grasses.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, deep-rooted grass that forms dense clumps. It is dark green in color and maintains color well into the fall. When left unmown, it can reach heights of 2-4 feet with open panicle seed heads.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades (>4mm width), prominent veins on the upper surface, smooth underside. Tips are pointed (not boat-shaped). Vernation is rolled in the bud. Auricles are small and hairy; ligule is short and membranous.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (can reach 2-3 feet deep), giving it excellent drought tolerance. It is a slow-thatch producer but has slow recovery from wear due to its bunching habit.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; now naturalized throughout North America and widely adapted to transition zones
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with occasional short rhizomes; lacks extensive spreading capability
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade (moderate shade tolerance). Requires 4-6 hours of sun. Moderate water needs but can survive extended drought by going dormant.
Mowing & Maintenance
Recommended height: 2.5-4.0 inches. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year. Low to medium maintenance; requires periodic overseeding to maintain density.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic tolerance and drought resistance. Susceptible to Brown Patch disease in high humidity. Good for home lawns and erosion control on slopes.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides soil stabilization and some forage for livestock. Can be invasive in native prairie settings if not managed.