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
Turf-type tall fescue varieties (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Titan', 'Biltmore')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9, excellent performance in the transition zone with strong heat and cold tolerance.
About This Grass
Forms a somewhat coarse to medium-textured clumped turf with good density when overseeded or established properly. Can grow up to 2-4 feet if unmowed, but maintained at 2-3 inches in lawns. Bright to medium dark green color year-round in moderate climates.
Blade Characteristics
Medium to coarse width (4-8mm), flat shape with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, pointed tips, rolled in the bud (vernation), smooth lower surface and rough margins, with a short membranous ligule and small or absent auricles.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system going down several feet, providing exceptional drought resistance and moderate wear recovery. Establishes relatively quickly from seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe; widely cultivated throughout North America, especially the transition zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass that can form a moderately dense sward, occasionally producing very short rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun to moderate shade. Requires moderate watering once established, but has superior drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses due to deep roots.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches. Medium maintenance level requiring regular mowing, moderate fertilization (2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year), and occasional overseeding to fill in thin spots.
Special Characteristics
High traffic and wear tolerance, good drought resistance, moderate shade tolerance, decent disease resistance, and excellent erosion control due to the deep root system.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for lawns and pastures. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control, moderate wildlife value, and is often blended with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass.