Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season perennial, C3 grass, highly well-adapted to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue blends (e.g., 'Bison', 'Rebel', 'Falcon')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. Performs exceptionally well in the transition zone where summers are too hot for Kentucky bluegrass and winters are too cold for warm-season grasses.
About This Grass
Forms a moderately coarse, upright tufted turf with a deep green color. Height ranges from 2 to 4 inches when maintained as a lawn, but can grow up to 3 to 4 feet if left unmowed. Texture is medium-coarse compared to fine fescues or bluegrass.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-width (4-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface and a shiny underside. Tip is pointed. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is a very short membrane, and auricles are blunt or absent.
Root System
Extremely deep root system (often reaching 2 to 3 feet or more), giving it superior drought tolerance compared to most other cool-season turfgrasses. Moderate to fast establishment speed from seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and parts of North Africa and temperate Asia; widely naturalized and cultivated across North America
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass forming dense clumps, though modern turf types can possess very short rhizomes that help form a moderately uniform turf
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to moderate shade. Requires moderate watering once established, but deep roots allow it to survive extended dry periods by going dormant. Prefers well-drained loamy soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches. Requires regular mowing during active spring and fall growth periods. Fertilization needs are moderate (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). Maintenance level is medium.
Special Characteristics
Excellent heat, drought, and traffic tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses. Good shade tolerance, excellent disease and insect resistance, and strong ability to prevent soil erosion.
Ecological Information
Introduced species that provides good erosion control and wildlife cover. Often used in pasture mixes for livestock or mixed with Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass for residential lawns.