Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF), likely a modern dwarf cultivar like 'Falcon IV' or 'Rebel'
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; excellent heat tolerance for its type; good cold hardiness; remains green in mild winters.
About This Grass
A dense, dark green turf grass with a vertical growth habit. It maintains color well in cold and heat compared to other cool-season grasses. Texture is medium-coarse with visible vertical ribbing.
Blade Characteristics
4-10mm width (coarse to medium); flat shape; pointed tip; dark green color; rolled vernation; prominent veins on the upper surface; short membranous ligule; auricles are small or absent (short hairs may be present).
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (often 2-3 feet deep); low thatch tendency; moderate establishment speed; excellent drought tolerance for a cool-season grass due to depth.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; widely adapted to the Transition Zone of the United States
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with short, occasional rhizomes; high density in modern TTTF varieties
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade (4-6 hours minimum); moderate water needs but can survive summer dormancy; prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Height 2.0-4.0 inches; weekly frequency; 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year; low dethatching needs; annual overseeding recommended to fill gaps; medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance; resistant to many turf diseases except Brown Patch; high drought recovery; best shade tolerance among common cool-season sun grasses.
Ecological Information
Introduced species; provides soil stabilization for slopes; low wildlife food value but provides cover; sometimes considered invasive in native meadows.