Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn, Pasture, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Forage-type Tall Fescue (likely K-31 or similar coarse variety)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; excellent heat and cold tolerance for the transition zone. Transitions to brown dormancy in extreme summer drought.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, deep-rooting grass forming dense individual clumps. It maintains a medium-to-dark green color throughout growing seasons and produces tall, panicle-style seed heads if left unmowed.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse width (5-10mm), flat shape, pointed tip with sharp serrated edges. Distinctly prominent longitudinal veins on upper surface, rolled vernation, short membranous ligule, and small or absent auricles.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (up to 2-3 feet depth), very low thatch tendency, slow spreading but rapid vertical establishment.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; widely adapted to North America transition zones
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clumping), occasionally produces short rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers 6+ hours of sun. High drought tolerance for a cool-season grass due to deep roots; moderate watering needs.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height of 3-4 inches for lawns; mow weekly during peak growth. Fertilize 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft annually. Low to medium maintenance.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance, excellent drought recovery, moderate shade tolerance, and resistant to most common turf diseases like dollar spot.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization on slopes/embankments; limited wildlife food value but provides ground cover. Can be invasive in native prairies.