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, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue (e.g., 'Biltmore', 'Rebel', 'Falcon')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. Excellent heat and drought tolerance for a cool-season grass, making it a primary choice for the transition zone.
About This Grass
Tall Fescue is a deep-rooted, coarse-textured bunchgrass that forms a relatively dense, upright turf. It typically grows 2 to 4 feet tall if left unmowed, but is maintained at 2 to 3.5 inches in turf applications. Color is medium to dark green, maintaining green color longer into drought and winter than many other cool-season grasses.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-coarse in width (4-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface and smooth underneath. Tip is sharply pointed. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is a very short membranous ring, and auricles are absent or blunt.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system reaching depths of 2 to 4 feet or more in favorable soils, providing exceptional drought tolerance and moderate traffic recovery. Low to moderate thatch-forming tendency.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and parts of North Africa; widely naturalized and cultivated across North America and temperate regions globally.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type growth habit with short, underground rhizomes that provide a slight lateral spreading ability and dense clump formation.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to moderate shade. Requires moderate water for best appearance but displays superior drought tolerance due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Maintain at 2.5 to 4 inches. Mow frequently during active spring and fall growth periods. Fertilization requires 2 to 4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. Medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance and traffic recovery compared to other cool-season grasses. Good tolerance to brown patch and summer slump. Moderate shade tolerance and superior drought avoidance.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for pasture and turf erosion control. Provides good ground cover and soil stabilization. Often blended with Kentucky bluegrass to enhance turf density and self-repairing capabilities.