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 cultivars (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Titan')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 7 (and into 8 in transition areas). Excellent cold tolerance and good heat/humidity tolerance relative to other cool-season grasses
About This Grass
Forms a moderately coarse, upright turf with a bunching habit. Typically maintained at 2 to 3.5 inches, but can grow up to several feet if left unmowed. Color is a rich medium to dark green with good wear tolerance and a somewhat coarse texture compared to bluegrass
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-to-coarse in width (4-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface and a shiny underside. Tips are typically pointed. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Features a short membranous ligule, no auricles, and a distinct broad collar region
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system going down several feet, providing exceptional drought tolerance. Moderate establishment speed, forms a moderately dense sod with low-to-moderate thatch-forming tendencies
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe; widely naturalized and cultivated across North America, performing best in the transition zone and cooler northern regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass that forms moderately dense clumps, though modern turf-type varieties can exhibit short rhizomes to slowly fill in sparse areas
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun to partial shade (more shade tolerant than Kentucky bluegrass or Bermuda grass). Requires moderate watering once established, exhibiting high drought tolerance due to deep roots; prefers well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches. Mow frequently during active spring/fall growth. Fertilization requirement is moderate (2 to 4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually). Low-to-medium maintenance overall with occasional overseeding needed for thin spots
Special Characteristics
High traffic and wear tolerance, good resistance to many common turf diseases, moderate salt tolerance, excellent drought recovery via deep roots, and good ability to crowd out weeds when managed properly
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for soil stabilization, erosion control on slopes, and turf. Provides limited wildlife habitat compared to native prairie grasses, but offers good ground cover and water filtration in managed landscapes