Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf and Pasture Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky-31 (K-31) or similar pasture-type cultivar
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass and good cold hardiness.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, deep-rooted grass that forms dense clumps. It features a medium-to-dark green color and remains green longer into the summer than many other cool-season grasses. Seed heads are large, open panicles.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blade width (5-10mm), flat shape with a distinctly pointed tip. Blades have prominent longitudinal ribs/veins on the upper surface. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are small, blunt, and short-pubescent (hairy).
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system, often reaching 2-3 feet deep. Very low thatch tendency. Moderate establishment speed; forms a tough but non-knitting sod due to its bunch-type growth.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; widely naturalized in North America, specifically in the Transition Zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); spreads primarily via tillering with very short, infrequent rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; requires 4-6 hours of sun. High drought tolerance due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 3.0-4.0 inches. Low to medium maintenance. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year. Requires periodic overseeding to fill in bare spots because it does not spread laterally like bluegrass.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance for foot traffic, good shade tolerance compared to other cool-season turf, and excellent heat/drought resistance. Susceptible to Brown Patch disease in high humidity.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides forage for livestock and erosion control on slopes. Can be invasive in native prairie environments; often found with dandelions (as seen in image) in low-maintenance lawns.