Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, highly well-suited for the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Standard turf-type tall fescue (e.g., 'Rebel' series), known for dark green color and improved density
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9, excellent heat and cold tolerance, prime grass for the transition zone
About This Grass
Forms a moderately dense, upright turf with medium-coarse texture. Height reaches 2 to 4 feet if unmowed, but maintained at 2 to 3 inches. Color is medium to dark green with good seasonal retention. Seed heads are open panicles.
Blade Characteristics
Medium to coarse width (4-8mm), flat shape with prominent parallel veins, pointed tips, dark to medium green color, rolled vernation in the bud, and a membranous ligule with absent auricles
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system reaching depths up to 2-3 feet, low thatch tendency, moderate establishment speed, excellent drought avoidance due to deep roots, forms a somewhat less dense sod than bluegrass
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely naturalized and cultivated across North America, especially in the transition zone and cooler regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with short, underground rhizomes that provide limited lateral spread
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs well in full sun to partial shade (more shade tolerant than many cool-season grasses), requires moderate watering, excellent drought tolerance once established, prefers well-drained loamy soils with pH 5.5 to 6.5
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height 2.5 to 3.5 inches, mowed weekly during active growth, fertilization rate of 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year, infrequent dethatching needed, medium maintenance level
Special Characteristics
Good wear tolerance, strong disease resistance, moderate salt tolerance, excellent drought and heat tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses, good erosion control
Ecological Information
Introduced species, provides good wildlife cover and erosion control, frequently mixed with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass in turf seed blends