Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass; highly adaptable to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type Tall Fescue blends (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Biltmore')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9, excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass, highly suitable for the transition zone, good cold tolerance
About This Grass
Forms a deep-green, medium-to-coarse textured turf with an upright growth habit. Height reaches 2 to 4 feet if unmowed, but maintained lawns are kept at 2 to 3 inches. Shows good density and vibrant green color that persists well into winter.
Blade Characteristics
Medium-to-coarse width (4-8mm), flat shape with pointed tips, medium green color, rolled vernation in the bud, prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, distinct auricles usually absent or very small, and a short membranous ligule
Root System
Deep fibrous root system extending up to 2-3 feet or more into the soil, providing exceptional drought tolerance. Moderate establishment speed from seed, forms a moderately thick sod with low thatch tendency
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely cultivated throughout North America, especially in the transition zone and cool-temperate regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass with short, underground rhizomes, forming a moderately dense clump-forming turf without aggressive spreading
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to moderate shade; requires at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight. Moderate water needs once established, highly drought-tolerant due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained loamy soils with pH between 5.5 and 6.5
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches, mowed weekly during peak growth. Requires moderate fertilization (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually), low dethatching needs, and occasional overseeding. Medium maintenance level
Special Characteristics
Good traffic and wear tolerance, excellent drought recovery, moderate disease resistance (susceptible to brown patch in hot, humid weather), good shade tolerance, excellent for erosion control on slopes
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely naturalized; provides good soil stabilization and erosion control due to deep root system; minimal invasive tendencies in lawns; often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass