Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, highly well-adapted to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage Grass, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky-31 (K-31), an older pasture and utility turf cultivar known for exceptional persistence, or modern turf-type cultivars like 'Rebel' series
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. Excellent heat and cold tolerance, making it the premier choice for the transition zone.
About This Grass
Tall Fescue is a robust, deep-rooted bunchgrass growing up to 2-4 feet tall when unmowed. It features medium-to-coarse texture, bright to medium green color, and upright growth. At maturity, it produces loose, open, branched panicle seed heads.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-to-coarse in width (4-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface and a shiny underside. Tip is pointed. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is a short membranous ring, and auricles are small, blunt, and clasping.
Root System
Extremely deep root system (often reaching 2-4 feet or more), fibrous with occasional short rhizomes. Establishes relatively quickly from seed, exhibits very high drought tolerance due to deep roots, and moderate wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely naturalized and cultivated across North America, especially in the transition zone and temperate regions globally
Growth Habit
Bunch-type growth habit with short, underground rhizomes that can form a moderately dense sward over time
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Requires moderate watering once established but has superior drought resistance compared to Kentucky bluegrass. Prefers well-drained loamy soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches. Mow weekly during peak growth. Fertilize with 2-3 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. Low-to-medium maintenance level, requiring occasional overseeding for thinning areas.
Special Characteristics
High wear and traffic tolerance, excellent drought and heat resistance for a cool-season grass, good shade tolerance, and deep roots provide exceptional erosion control.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for pasture and turf. Provides good ground cover and soil stabilization, reduces runoff, and serves as forage for livestock and cover for wildlife.