Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, Erosian Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF) - various cultivars (e.g., 'Falcon IV', 'Rebel')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-9; excellent heat and cold tolerance; remains semi-evergreen in moderate winters.
About This Grass
A robust, coarse to medium-textured grass that forms dense clumps. It maintains a green color longer than many cool-season grasses during summer heat. Seed heads are large, open panicles.
Blade Characteristics
Medium to coarse width (4-10mm); flat shape; pointed tip; dark green color; rolled vernation; prominent longitudinal veins; short membranous ligule; small or absent auricles.
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
Native to Europe and North Africa; widely adapted to the Transition Zone in North America.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); occasionally develops short, weak rhizomes.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to moderate shade (requires 4-6 hours sun); moderate water needs but highly drought-resistant once established; prefers well-drained soil pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Recommended height: 2.0-4.0 inches; mowing frequency: moderate; fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually; low to medium maintenance.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance; good shade tolerance; highly resistant to summer heat compared to other cool-season grasses; susceptible to Brown Patch (Rhizoctonia).
Ecological Information
Introduced species; provides soil stabilization on slopes; used in forage mixes; can be invasive in native prairie restorations; often contains endophytes for insect resistance.