Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season perennial, C3 grass, highly well-adapted to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue (such as 'Rebel' or 'Bison' series)
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 7, highly suited to the transition zone, tolerating both winter cold and summer heat better than standard cool-season grasses.
About This Grass
Forms a moderately dense, upright turf with medium-coarse texture and a rich medium-green color. Height can reach 2 to 4 feet if unmowed, but maintained lawns are typically kept at 2.5 to 4 inches. Displays good wear resistance and stays green longer into summer and winter than many other cool-season grasses.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-coarse in width (approx 3-6mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface and a shiny underside. Tips are pointed. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is a short membrane, and auricles are blunt or absent with a broad collar.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system going down 2 to 3 feet or more, providing exceptional drought tolerance and heat resistance compared to other cool-season grasses. Moderate establishment speed, forms a moderately thick sod.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely naturalized and cultivated across North America, particularly the transition zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass forming dense tufts, though modern turf-types have very short rhizomes allowing limited lateral spread
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun but has better shade tolerance than Kentucky Bluegrass or Bermuda. Requires moderate watering once established, highly drought-tolerant due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches. Mowing frequency is weekly during peak spring and fall growth. Fertilization needs are moderate (2 to 4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). Low to medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Good traffic and wear tolerance, strong deep-root drought resistance, good tolerance to brown patch disease compared to older varieties, moderate shade tolerance, and excellent erosion control.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for soil conservation, pastures, and lawns. Provides cover and foraging for small wildlife, stabilizes soil effectively, and is frequently blended with Kentucky Bluegrass or Perennial Ryegrass.