Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Pasture/Forage, Turf, and Erosion Control Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky-31 (K-31) or similar pasture-type cultivar
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7 (best in transition zone); high heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; good cold tolerance; remains green in mild winters but can go dormant in extreme cold.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, deep-rooted clumping grass. Forms dense, tall bunches when unmowed, reaching 3-4 feet. Leaves are dark green and glossy on the underside. Seed heads are panicles, ranging from 4-12 inches long, branched and slightly nodding.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse width (5-10mm); flat shape with a pointed tip; dark green color with distinct longitudinal ribs on the upper surface; rolled vernation in the bud; short membranous ligule; auricles are small or absent but typically have small hairs (ciliate) on the margins; collar region is broad and continuous.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system, often extending 2-3 feet deep; low thatch-forming tendency; moderate establishment speed; deep roots provide excellent drought tolerance and wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; widely naturalized in North America and temperate regions worldwide
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); very short rhizomes occasionally present but primarily spreads through tillering
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; requires 4-6 hours of sunlight; moderate water needs but possesses high drought tolerance due to root depth; thrives in a wide range of soil pH (5.5-8.5).
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 3-4 inches for turf; low frequency for pastures; 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually; low to medium maintenance level; annual overseeding recommended for turf to maintain density.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic tolerance once established; high resistance to heat and drought; susceptible to Brown Patch in high humidity; good salt tolerance; helps crowd out weeds through sheer clump density.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America; frequently used for soil stabilization on slopes; provides forage and cover for livestock and some wildlife; contains endophytes that provide pest resistance but can be toxic to cattle if not managed; often found in mixes with clover or bluegrass.