Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, highly adapted to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture/Forage, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky 31 (K-31) or modern turf-type cultivars like 'Rebel' or 'Titan', known for deeper green color and finer texture
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. Excellent heat and drought tolerance for a cool-season grass, making it the premier choice for the transition zone. Good cold tolerance down to -30°F. Remains semi-evergreen in milder winters
About This Grass
Forms coarse, dense tufts and clumps with an upright growth habit. Unmowed height can reach 2 to 4 feet, while maintained turf is kept at 2 to 3 inches. Color ranges from medium to dark green with a dull finish. Texture is coarse compared to bluegrass or fine fescue, and it features prominent longitudinal veining on the upper blade surface
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium to coarse in width (4-8mm), flat or slightly rolled, with sharply pointed tips. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Color is medium to dark green. The upper surface has pronounced raised veins, while the underside is smooth and glossy. Features a small membranous ligule, clasping auricles (often blunt or rounded), and a distinct, broad collar region
Root System
Extremely deep fibrous root system (often reaching 2 to 4 feet deep), which provides exceptional drought tolerance. Low-to-moderate thatch-forming tendency, fast establishment from seed, and forms a strong, durable sod that recovers well from moderate wear
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely naturalized across North America, performing best in the transition zone and cool-temperate regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with very short, occasional subterranean rhizomes in some turf types; forms a relatively dense, upright clump rather than a tight creeping mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun but has better shade tolerance than most cool-season grasses (tolerates partial shade well). Requires moderate watering once established; deep, infrequent watering encourages deep root growth. High drought tolerance due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained loamy to clay soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches; higher mowing encourages deeper roots and better stress tolerance. Requires mowing every 5-7 days during peak growth. Fertilization needs are moderate (2 to 4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). Low to medium overall maintenance level, requiring infrequent dethatching due to bunch-type growth
Special Characteristics
Very good traffic and wear tolerance, excellent heat and drought tolerance compared to other cool-season turf grasses, good disease resistance (though susceptible to brown patch in high humidity and heat), strong erosion control capability on slopes, and moderate ability to crowd out weeds
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides moderate wildlife habitat and cover, though often utilized as pasture forage for livestock. Outstanding soil stabilization and erosion control due to its extensive, deep root mass. Often used in mixes with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass