Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF), specific cultivar unknown but likely a multi-cultivar blend
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; widely grown in the Transition Zone due to heat and cold tolerance. Goes semi-dormant in extreme drought or cold.
About This Grass
A robust, coarse to medium-textured grass with a deep green color. It forms dense clumps and is known for its upright growth habit. At maturity, it can reach 3-4 feet if left unmowed, producing panicle-type seed heads.
Blade Characteristics
Medium to coarse blades (3-8mm), flat shape, pointed tips. Dark green with prominent longitudinal veins on the upper surface. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are typically absent or very small and blunt.
Root System
Extremely deep fibrous root system (often reaching 2-3 feet deep). Low thatch tendency. Slow to moderate establishment speed; slow to recover from wear due to bunch-forming nature.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; widely naturalized across North America and temperate regions worldwide
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); typically lacks rhizomes or stolons, though some modern cultivars are slightly rhizomatous
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to moderate shade (excellent shade tolerance for a cool-season grass). Moderate water needs; high drought tolerance due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height: 2.5-4.0 inches. Mowing frequency: 1-2 times per week during peak growth. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft annually. Low to medium maintenance; requires periodic overseeding to maintain density.
Special Characteristics
Superior wear tolerance and drought resistance. Good resistance to brown patch and leaf spot. High traffic tolerance but poor recovery once damaged. Excellent at crowding out weeds when maintained at high mowing heights.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization for slopes. Often contains endophytic fungi that provide natural insect resistance. Frequently mixed with Kentucky Bluegrass for improved resilience.