Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass; highly adaptable to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue cultivars (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Titan', 'Biltmore')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. Excellent performance in the transition zone where summers are hot and winters are cold.
About This Grass
Forms a moderately dense, coarse-textured turf with an upright growth habit. Unmowed height can reach 2 to 4 feet, while maintained turf is typically kept between 2 and 3.5 inches. Medium to dark green color with high heat and drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-coarse in width (4-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface and a shiny underside. Tips are sharply pointed. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is a short membranous collar with small auricles often absent or blunt.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system capable of reaching depths of 2 to 3 feet or more, contributing to exceptional drought tolerance and moderate erosion control. Establishes relatively quickly from seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and parts of North Africa and Asia; widely cultivated throughout North America, particularly in the transition zone and temperate regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass forming relatively dense clumps, though modern turf-type varieties can exhibit short, weak rhizomes to aid in minor self-repair
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun to partial shade (more shade tolerant than many cool-season grasses). Moderate water needs once established, with high drought avoidance due to its deep root system.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height ranges from 2.0 to 3.5 inches. Mowing frequency is moderate during spring and fall growth peaks. Fertilization requirements are moderate (2 to 4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually). Medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Good traffic and wear tolerance, excellent drought and heat resistance for a cool-season grass, good disease resistance (though susceptible to brown patch in hot, humid weather), poor winter color retention in colder zones compared to Kentucky bluegrass.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for forage and turf. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control due to deep root mass. Often blended with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass in turf mixes.