Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, widely used in the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky 31 (KY-31), a classic turf and forage variety known for deep roots and durability
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 7 (and into 9 with irrigation in the transition zone); high cold tolerance and good summer heat tolerance for a cool-season grass
About This Grass
Forms coarse-textured, upright clumps with deep green to medium green coloration. Unmowed, it can reach heights of 2 to 4 feet. Exhibits good wear tolerance and maintains color well into winter.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades, typically 4-8mm wide, flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface. Pointed tips, rolled in the bud (vernation). Features a small membranous ligule and blunt, clawlike auricles.
Root System
Deep, robust fibrous root system extending 2 to 4 feet or more into the soil, providing exceptional drought tolerance and rapid establishment from seed
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely cultivated throughout North America, especially in the transition zone and cool-humid regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass that can form short, robust rhizomes under ideal conditions, growing in dense clumps
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Requires moderate watering once established, with high drought tolerance due to its deep root system. Prefers well-drained loamy soils but adapts to clay and sandy soils.
Mowing & Maintenance
Maintain at 2.5 to 4 inches. Requires regular mowing during the growing season. Medium maintenance level, needing 2 to 3 lbs of N per 1000 sq ft annually.
Special Characteristics
High wear and traffic tolerance, excellent drought and heat resistance compared to other cool-season grasses, good disease resistance, and deep root system for slope stabilization
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for pasture and turf. Provides good ground cover and erosion control, valuable forage for livestock, and moderate wildlife habitat value