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, Pasture/Forage, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky 31 (KY-31) and various turf-type cultivars like 'Rebel' or 'Biltmore'
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. Excellent heat and cold tolerance, making it a staple of the transition zone.
About This Grass
Forms a relatively coarse, upright, and dense turf clump. When unmanaged, it can grow up to 2-4 feet tall. Color is medium to dark green, maintaining green color longer into winter and summer than many other cool-season grasses. Texture is coarser than bluegrass or fine fescue.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium to coarse in width (4-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, and sharply pointed tips. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is a short membranous type, and auricles are blunt or absent.
Root System
Deep root system, penetrating up to 2-3 feet or more into the soil profile. Fibrous roots with moderate establishment speed. Forms a strong, erosion-resistant sod with moderate to low thatch tendency.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, introduced to North America; widely cultivated throughout the United States, especially in the transition zone and cooler regions.
Growth Habit
Primarily a bunch-type grass, though modern turf-types can exhibit a very short, limited rhizomatous spread resulting in a dense clump-forming turf.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun but has superior shade tolerance compared to other cool-season turf grasses. Requires moderate watering once established, exhibiting high drought tolerance due to its deep root system.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height ranges from 2.5 to 4 inches. Requires regular mowing during active growth seasons. Fertilization needs are moderate (2-3 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). Maintenance level is medium.
Special Characteristics
High traffic and wear tolerance, good disease resistance, excellent drought recovery, strong erosion control capabilities, and good ability to crowd out weeds.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for pasture, forage, and turf. Provides good wildlife cover and soil stabilization. Can harbor an endophytic fungus that deters certain insect pests.