Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF); variety indistinguishable by image but likely a modern dark green cultivar like 'Titan' or 'Rebel' series.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; widely used in the Transition Zone where it survives both cold winters and hot summers.
About This Grass
A dense, bunching grass with a deep green color and consistent texture. In the image, it shows a course to medium-course appearance with upright growth. When unmowed, it can reach 3-4 feet; maintained turf stays at 2-4 inches.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is medium-coarse (approx. 4-10mm). Venation is prominent with distinct longitudinal ribs on the upper surface. Tips are pointed (acuminate); vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are small or absent (short-ciliate).
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (often 2-3 feet deep), giving it superior heat and drought tolerance for a cool-season grass. Low thatch tendency; slow recovery from heavy wear due to bunch-type habit.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; widely naturalized in North America and adapted to the Transition Zone.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); very limited short rhizomes may be present in newer cultivars, but primarily spreads by tillering.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers 6+ hours of sun. Moderate water needs (approx. 1 inch per week). Excellent drought tolerance compared to Bluegrass. Prefers well-drained soil, pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height: 2.5 to 4.0 inches. Mowed weekly during active growth. 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually. Requires periodic overseeding to fill in bare spots as it does not spread via stolons.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic tolerance and shade tolerance. Resistant to many common pathogens but susceptible to Brown Patch in high humidity. High salt tolerance and good erosion control.
Ecological Information
Introduced in North America; provides soil stabilization and carbon sequestration. High value for erosion control on slopes. Often mixed with Kentucky Bluegrass (approx. 90/10 ratio) to provide better recovery from damage.