Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, highly adaptable in the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass and Sports Turf
Variety / Cultivar
'Rebel IV' or similar turf-type tall fescue cultivars known for fine texture and deep green color
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. Excellent heat and drought tolerance for a cool-season grass, highly successful in the transition zone.
About This Grass
Forms a dense, uniform turf with a medium-to-coarse texture. Reaches 2-4 feet unmowed, maintained at 2-3 inches. Bright to dark green color that persists longer into winter than many other cool-season grasses.
Blade Characteristics
Medium width (2-4mm), flat blades with pointed tips, prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, rolled vernation in the bud, short membranous ligule, and small or absent auricles.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system extending up to 2-3 feet or more, low-to-moderate thatch tendency, fast germination and establishment, excellent drought avoidance due to deep roots.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely cultivated throughout North America and the transition zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type with short, underground rhizomes providing moderate lateral spread and dense turf formation
Sunlight & Water Needs
Tolerates full sun to moderate shade. Requires regular watering for best appearance but displays good drought tolerance once established. Prefers well-draining soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height 2.5 to 3.5 inches. Moderate maintenance level requiring regular mowing, fertilization (3-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually), and occasional overseeding of bare spots since it is a bunch grass.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance, good traffic recovery, moderate shade and salt tolerance, strong resistance to summer patch and brown patch compared to other cool-season grasses.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for erosion control, slope stabilization, and turf. Provides good wildlife cover and soil binding capabilities without being aggressively invasive.