Tall Fescue (mixed with Broadleaf Weeds)
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season Perennial, C3 pathway (exhibits summer stress)
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf and Pasture grass; often appearing as a persistent weed in managed lawns due to its coarseness.
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky 31 (K-31) or similar pasture-type tall fescues; notable for coarse texture and clump-forming habit compared to modern turf-type varieties.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; well-suited for the U.S. Transition Zone.
About This Grass
Deep green, coarse-textured grass with a distinct upright clump growth. It remains green during mild winters but can brown during extreme summer heat.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width >4mm (coarse); prominently veined on the upper surface; margins are rough/serrated; vernation is rolled in the bud; tip is sharply pointed; auricles are small and short-hairy.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system, often extending 2-3 feet deep, providing excellent drought resistance but poor recovery from heavy wear once the crown is damaged.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; widely naturalized throughout North America, particularly in the Transition Zone.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); lacks significant rhizomes or stolons, resulting in a patchy appearance if not seeded densely.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun but has moderate shade tolerance; requires deep, infrequent watering; adaptable to wide soil pH (5.5-7.5).
Mowing & Maintenance
Recommended height: 3.0 to 4.0 inches; requires frequent mowing; moderate fertilization (2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year); low to medium maintenance.
Special Characteristics
High drought tolerance once established; resistant to most common turf diseases like dollar spot, though susceptible to Brown Patch in humid summers.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized; provides soil stabilization for slopes; often contains endophytes (fungi) that protect the plant from insects but can be toxic to some livestock.