Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season Perennial (C3)
Grass Family
Poaceae, Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf and Pasture Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type Tall Fescue (Generic/Unknown)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; adapts well to the Transition Zone. Excellent heat tolerance and good cold hardiness.
About This Grass
Medium to coarse-textured grass with a deep green color. Forms dense clumps and maintains color well into the fall. Seed heads are panicles, though rarely seen in maintained lawns.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width 3-10mm, prominent veins on upper surface, pointed tips, dull underside. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are small or absent (short-hairy).
Root System
Extremely deep fibrous root system (up to 2-3 feet), allowing for superior drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses. Low thatch producer.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; naturalized throughout North America
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with occasional short rhizomes; slow lateral spread
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade (4-6 hours min). High drought tolerance; prefers deep, infrequent watering. Thrives in a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Height: 2.0-4.0 inches. Medium maintenance. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft annually. Requires periodic overseeding to repair bare spots due to bunch-forming habit.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance once established. Resistant to many common turf diseases but susceptible to Brown Patch in high humidity. Good shade tolerance for a cool-season grass.
Ecological Information
Introduced species. Provides soil stabilization and forage. Can be invasive in native prairies. Often blended with Kentucky Bluegrass for improved traffic and drought recovery.