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 coarse-textured forage type
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass, making it the primary choice for the Transition Zone. Stays green through much of the winter in milder climates.
About This Grass
A coarse, tough perennial grass that forms distinct clumps. In the image, it presents as a dark green, uneven turf with significant weed encroachment (clover and broadleaf weeds) in bare patches. When unmowed, it reaches 2-4 feet; maintained turf usually shows a medium-to-coarse texture.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is coarse (>4mm), with a flat shape and a pointed tip. Color is dark green with prominent lengthwise veins on the upper surface. Vernation is rolled in the bud. The ligule is short and membranous; auricles are small and typically 'ciliate' (having tiny hairs).
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (often reaching 2-3 feet deep), which provides excellent drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses. It does not form a dense sod, making it prone to weed invasion if the stand is thin.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; widely naturalized in North America across the Transition Zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); lacks significant rhizomes or stolons, leading to the patchy appearance visible in the sparse areas of the image
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun but has moderate shade tolerance. High drought tolerance for a cool-season grass; prefers deep, infrequent watering. Thrives in wide-ranging soil pH (5.5 to 7.5).
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 3.0 to 4.0 inches. Low to medium maintenance; requires 2-4 lbs of Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually. Needs periodic overseeding to fill in bare spots because it does not spread laterally.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance and excellent drought resistance. Resistant to most common diseases but susceptible to Brown Patch (Rhizoctonia) in high heat and humidity. Moderate salt tolerance.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides forage for livestock but can harbor an endophytic fungus that may be toxic to certain grazing animals if not 'endophyte-free' varieties. Used frequently for erosion control on slopes due to deep roots.