Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season perennial grass (C3) with high heat tolerance for its class.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, and Erosion Control grass.
Variety / Cultivar
Likely a forage-type or 'K-31' variety given the wide blade width and clumping habit visible.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; highly adaptable to the Transition Zone where other cool-season grasses fail.
About This Grass
A robust, coarse-textured grass with a deep green color. Forms distinct, dense clumps. It remains green during most of the winter in mild climates but may go dormant in extreme heat.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades (5-10mm wide) with prominent longitudinal veins (ribbed). Pointed tips, rolled vernation in the bud, and short, stubby auricles. The margins are somewhat rough/serrated.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (often 2-3 feet deep), providing excellent drought resistance. Low thatch producer that establishes moderately fast from seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; widely naturalized in North America, particularly the Transition Zone.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with occasional short rhizomes; lacks extensive spreading ability.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; requires 4-6 hours of sun. High drought tolerance due to deep roots but prefers regular moisture to stay green in summer.
Mowing & Maintenance
Recommended height of 3-4 inches; infrequent mowing compared to bluegrass. Low to medium maintenance; requires 2-4 lbs Nitrogen/1000 sq ft annually.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance, high heat tolerance, and moderate shade tolerance. Resistant to many common turf diseases but susceptible to Brown Patch in high humidity.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized; provides soil stabilization on slopes. Can be invasive in native prairies but serves as a high-quality forage for livestock when endophyte-free.