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) - generic visual assessment
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7; excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass and very cold hardy.
About This Grass
A coarse to medium textured grass known for its dark green color and durability. It forms distinct clumps and remains green throughout most of the winter in transition zones. When unmowed, it can reach 3-4 feet in height with open panicle seed heads.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blade width (4-10mm), flat shape with a distinctly pointed tip. Veins are prominent and run parallel on the upper surface. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are small or absent but often have hairs on the margins of the collar.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (often reaching 2-3 feet deep), giving it superior drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses. Low thatch tendency; moderate establishment speed from seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; widely naturalized in North America and temperate regions worldwide
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clumping), limited short rhizomes possible in some newer cultivars; dense vertical growth
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade (highly shade tolerant for a cool-season grass). Requires moderate water but can survive extended dry periods by going dormant. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 3.0 to 4.0 inches. Mowing frequency: 1-2 times per week. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1,000 sq ft per year. Low to medium maintenance; requires periodic overseeding due to bunch-type habit.
Special Characteristics
High traffic/wear tolerance, excellent shade tolerance, deep-rooted drought resistance. Susceptible to Brown Patch disease in high humidity. Well-suited for home lawns and athletic fields in the transition zone.
Ecological Information
Introduced status in North America; provides forage for livestock (with endophyte-free varieties preferred). Excellent for soil stabilization on slopes. Often mixed with Kentucky Bluegrass for improved wear resistance.