Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, highly adaptable to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type Tall Fescue (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Titan', 'Biltmore')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. Excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass, highly suitable for the transition zone.
About This Grass
Forms a dense, moderately coarse turf with a deep green color. Height ranges from 2 to 4 inches when maintained as a lawn, but can grow up to 2-3 feet if left unmowed. Features prominent vertical growth with bunchy clumps if not properly dense.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium to coarse in width (4-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins and a distinct midrib. The tip is pointed, and vernation is rolled in the bud. The auricles are absent, and the ligule is very short and membranous.
Root System
Exceptionally deep fibrous root system (often reaching 2-3 feet or more), moderate to fast establishment, low thatch-forming tendency, providing superior drought tolerance and good wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe; widely naturalized and cultivated across North America and temperate regions worldwide
Growth Habit
Bunch-type growth habit with short, underground rhizomes that provide limited lateral spreading and high density
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun to partial shade. Moderate watering needs once established, with excellent deep-root drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches. Requires regular mowing during active growth seasons, moderate fertilization (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually), occasional aeration, and overseeding to repair bare spots. Medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High traffic and wear tolerance, good resistance to major lawn diseases and brown patch, moderate shade tolerance, exceptional drought survival, and good erosion control due to deep roots.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for utility turf and pasture. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control. Often blended with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass in turf mixes.