Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, highly well-suited for 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., 'Rebel', 'Biltmore', 'Hounddog') bred for finer texture and darker green color
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 7, highly valued in the transition zone (Zones 6-8) where both cool and warm-season grasses struggle. Good cold and heat tolerance.
About This Grass
Tall fescue forms a moderately coarse, dense turf with upright growth. Unmowed height can reach 2 to 4 feet, but maintained lawns are kept much lower. Color is typically medium to dark green, maintaining green color longer into winter than many other cool-season grasses. Seed heads are open, branching panicles.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium to coarse in width (3-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface and smooth underneath. Tip shape is pointed (not boat-shaped). Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is a very short, membranous collar. Auricles are absent or blunt.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system reaching depths of 2 to 3 feet or more. Low to moderate thatch-forming tendency. Fast establishment from seed. Deep roots provide superior drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and parts of North Africa and Asia; widely naturalized and cultivated across North America, particularly the transition zone and cool-temperate regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass with a very short, underground rhizomatous tendency in some modern turf-type cultivars; primarily forms dense clumps rather than aggressive spreading mats
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun but has good shade tolerance compared to many other turf grasses. Requires moderate watering once established; drought tolerant due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained loamy soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 3.5 inches. Mowing frequency is moderate during peak spring and fall growth periods. Fertilization requirement is low to moderate (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). Low to medium overall maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High traffic and wear tolerance, excellent drought and heat tolerance for a cool-season grass, good disease resistance (though susceptible to brown patch), poor spreading ability meaning damaged areas require overseeding.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control due to its deep root system. Offers fair wildlife cover, though often managed primarily as turf or forage. Commonly blended with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass.