Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF) - generic multi-cultivar blend
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; excellent heat tolerance for the transition zone; remains green in mild winters but goes dormant in extreme cold.
About This Grass
A dense, bunching grass with a deep green color and medium-coarse texture. It stays green year-round in many climates. When unmowed, it can reach 3-4 feet; maintained turf is dense and resilient. Seed heads are open panicles.
Blade Characteristics
Width: 3-5mm (medium-coarse); Shape: Flat; Tip: Pointed; Color: Dark green with prominent longitudinal veins; Vernation: Rolled in the bud; Ligule: Short, membranous; Auricles: Small or absent (not clasping); Collar: Broad and divided.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (often 2-3 feet deep); low thatch tendency; moderate establishment speed from seed; excellent drought tolerance for a cool-season grass due to depth.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; naturalized throughout North America, especially the Transition Zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); very limited short rhizomes in newer turf-type varieties; slow spreading rate
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun to Moderate Shade (one of the most shade-tolerant cool-season grasses); 4-6 hours minimum sun; moderate water needs; prefers well-drained soil pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Height: 2.0-4.0 inches (prefers 3.0+ in summer); frequency: weekly; fertilization: 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year; annual aeration and biennial overseeding recommended; Medium maintenance.
Special Characteristics
High wear and traffic tolerance; good resistance to Brown Patch and Leaf Spot; fair salt tolerance; best drought resistance among common cool-season turfgrasses.
Ecological Information
Introduced species; provides soil stabilization for slopes; creates dense cover for small wildlife; often blended with 5-10% Kentucky Bluegrass to help fill in bare spots.