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), likely a modern dwarf cultivar like 'Rebel' or 'Falcon' series
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7 (best in 5-6); high heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; good cold hardiness; semi-dormant in extreme heat or cold.
About This Grass
Dense, upright clump-forming grass with a dark green color. It maintains a distinct bunch appearance when isolated. Seed heads are large, open panicles on stalks reaching 2-4 feet if left unmowed.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse to medium-coarse (3-6mm); flat with prominent veins; pointed tip; dark green; rolled vernation; short membranous ligule; auricles absent or very small and non-clasping.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (up to 2-3 feet); low thatch tendency; moderate establishment speed; excellent drought tolerance due to depth.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; widely adapted to North American Transition Zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with rare short rhizomes; slow lateral spread
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to moderate shade; prefers 4-6 hours sun; moderate water needs; highest drought tolerance of cool-season grasses; pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 3.0-4.0 inches; weekly frequency; 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft annually; low dethatching needs; annual overseeding recommended to fill clumps.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance; resistant to many turf diseases but susceptible to Brown Patch; high salt tolerance; deepest roots of common cool-season turf.
Ecological Information
Introduced species; provides forage for livestock; stabilizes soil effectively; can be invasive in native prairie settings; often blended with Bluegrass.