Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, widely used in the transition zone
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9, excellent transition zone performance, good heat and cold tolerance
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue (e.g., 'Rebel IV', 'Titan')
About This Grass
Deep green, medium-to-coarse texture turf with upright growth. Forms dense clumps when not blended well. Unmowed height reaches 2-4 feet with panicle seed heads
Blade Characteristics
Medium-to-coarse width (4-6mm), flat shape with pointed tips, dark to medium green color, rolled vernation in the bud, prominent veins on the upper surface, distinct auricles usually absent, and a short membranous ligule
Root System
Deep root system extending 2-3 feet or more into the soil, fibrous, moderate-to-low thatch tendency, fast establishment from seed, excellent drought avoidance due to deep roots
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely cultivated throughout North America, especially in the transition zone and cool-temperate regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass with short, underground rhizomes forming a dense, clump-forming turf
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to moderate shade; requires moderate watering once established; high drought tolerance due to deep roots; adapts well to a wide range of soils with pH 5.5-6.5
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height between 2.5 to 4 inches, weekly mowing during peak growth, moderate fertilization (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year), low-to-moderate maintenance level
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance, good brown patch disease resistance, moderate salt tolerance, excellent shade tolerance compared to other cool-season turfgrasses, good drought recovery
Ecological Information
Introduced species, provides good erosion control and wildlife cover, often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass