Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF); variety indistinguishable
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; excellent heat tolerance for its type; high cold tolerance; does not go dormant as early as warm-season grasses.
About This Grass
A robust, deep-rooted grass known for its dark green color and medium-to-coarse texture. It stays green longer into summer than other cool-season grasses. Unmowed, it can reach 2-4 feet; maintained at 3-4 inches. Seed heads are open panicles.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width 4-10mm (coarse); flat shape with pointed tips; dark green color; rolled vernation in the bud; prominent veins on the upper surface with a rough margin; ligule is short, membranous; auricles are small/blunt or absent; collar is broad and divided.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (up to 2-3 feet); low thatch tendency; moderate establishment speed from seed; exceptional drought tolerance for a cool-season grass due to root depth.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; now naturalized throughout Northern and Transition-zone United States.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with short, occasional rhizomes; slow rate of spread, forms dense mats if seeded heavily.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun to Partial Shade (highly shade tolerant among cool grasses); needs 4-6 hours sun; moderate water needs; prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Height: 3.0-4.0 inches; frequency: weekly; fertilization: 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year; low dethatching need; requires annual fall overseeding; Medium maintenance.
Special Characteristics
High traffic/wear tolerance; resistant to many turf diseases but susceptible to Brown Patch; excellent for transition zones; deep roots allow for rapid recovery from drought stress.
Ecological Information
Introduced species; provide soil stabilization for slopes; provides cover for small mammals; often used in mixes with Kentucky Bluegrass; can be mildly invasive in native meadows.