Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass; heavily utilized in 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 cultivars (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Falcon', 'Titan')
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 7, highly adaptable to the transition zone with good heat and cold tolerance.
About This Grass
Forms a moderately dense, upright turf with medium-coarse texture and a rich medium-to-dark green color. Unmowed, it can reach heights of 2 to 4 feet, but when maintained as a lawn it is typically kept at 2.5 to 4 inches. Produces an open panicle seed head at maturity.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium to coarse in width (4-8 mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface and a shiny underside. Tips are typically pointed. Vernation is rolled in the bud. The ligule is a short membrane, and auricles are usually absent or blunt.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system reaching depths of 2 to 3 feet or more, contributing to excellent drought tolerance. Low-to-moderate thatch tendency and moderately fast establishment from seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and parts of North Africa and Asia; widely naturalized and cultivated across North America, especially in the transition zone.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass with short rhizomes, forming a dense turf through tillering rather than aggressive spreading.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun to partial shade, tolerating more shade than many other cool-season turfgrasses. Requires regular moisture during establishment, but once established, its deep roots provide good drought tolerance. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow at 2.5 to 4 inches, keeping blades sharp to prevent tearing (as seen by the frayed tips in the image). Fertilization requirement is moderate (2 to 4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). Maintenance level is medium.
Special Characteristics
Exhibits good wear and traffic tolerance, excellent drought tolerance due to deep roots, and good disease resistance (though susceptible to brown patch in hot, humid weather). Retains winter color better than warm-season grasses.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for erosion control, pasture forage, and turf. Provides good ground cover and soil stabilization, often blended with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass.