Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Pasture/Forage Grass and Low-maintenance Turf
Variety / Cultivar
Likely a forage-type or 'Kentucky 31' common variety, indicated by the coarse texture and broad blades visible
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; excellent heat tolerance for its type; good cold hardiness; remains green in mild winters.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, deep-rooted grass that forms dense tufts. It displays a medium to dark green color and remains green longer into the summer than many other cool-season grasses. It reaches 2-4 feet if unmowed, producing a panicle seed head.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse width (5-10mm), flat shape, pointed tip with sharp edges. Color is medium green; vernation is rolled in the bud. Prominent veins on the upper surface and a dull underside. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are small or absent but typically have fine hairs on the margin.
Root System
Extremely deep fibrous root system (up to 2-3 feet); low thatch tendency; very durable. High drought tolerance for a cool-season grass due to root depth.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; naturalized throughout North America, particularly in the transition zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); predominantly spreads via tillering but can occasionally produce short rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun to Partial Shade (higher shade tolerance than most cool-season grasses); moderate water needs but survives long dry spells by going semi-dormant; prefers soil pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height 3.0-4.0 inches; frequency weekly during peak growth; 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually; low to medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance; excellent drought resistance; susceptible to Brown Patch in high humidity; high salt tolerance; effective for soil stabilization on slopes.
Ecological Information
Introduced species; provides cover for small mammals and forage for livestock. Can be invasive in native prairie settings. Often blended with Kentucky Bluegrass for improved traffic resistance.