Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF), generic cultivar
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; highly adaptable to the Transition Zone. Excellent heat tolerance and good cold hardiness. Does not go dormant as easily as warm-season grasses.
About This Grass
A rugged, bunch-forming grass with a medium-to-coarse texture. Displays a deep emerald green to dark green color. It maintains its color well into the fall and is known for its upright growth and dense canopy when properly maintained.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width 4-8mm (coarse), flat shape with a distinctly pointed tip. Color is medium to dark green. Features prominent longitudinal veins (ribs) on the upper surface. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are small or absent (short hairs may be present on the collar).
Root System
Deep fibrous root system, often reaching 3-6 feet deep. Low thatch tendency. Moderate establishment speed. Excellent drought tolerance and wear recovery due to deep soil access.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; widely naturalized in North America, particularly the U.S. Transition Zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clumping). Limited rhizome activity in some newer cultivars but primarily expands through tillering.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade (requires at least 4-6 hours of sun). Moderate water needs; highly drought-tolerant compared to other cool-season grasses. Prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height 2.5 to 4.0 inches. Recommended frequency is weekly during growing seasons. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year. Low to moderate maintenance; requires periodic overseeding due to bunch-type habit.
Special Characteristics
High traffic/wear tolerance. Good resistance to Brown Patch and Pythium. Deep roots provide superior salt tolerance and drought recovery. Excellent for home lawns and sports fields in variable climates.
Ecological Information
Introduced status in North America. Provides good soil stabilization for erosion control. Low wildlife food value but provides cover. Can be slightly invasive in native meadows. Often blended with Kentucky Bluegrass for better sod-forming capability.