Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass; highly adapted to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue cultivars (e.g., 'Bison', 'Rebel', 'Titan')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. Tolerates extreme summer heat and winter cold better than most cool-season grasses, making it a staple in the transition zone.
About This Grass
Forms a moderately coarse, dense turf with upright growth. Maintains color well into autumn and winter. Mowed height typically ranges from 2 to 3.5 inches, while unmowed can reach 2 to 4 feet with an open panicle seed head.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-to-coarse in width (4-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface and a shiny lower surface. Tip is pointed. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Features a short membranous ligule and small or absent auricles.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system reaching down 2 to 3 feet or more, contributing to exceptional drought tolerance. Low to moderate thatch tendency, establishes quickly from seed, and forms a strong sod.
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 that can form a moderately dense turf through short underground rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun but has good shade tolerance compared to other cool-season turf grasses. Requires moderate watering once established and prefers well-drained loamy soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches. Fertilization requirement is medium (2 to 4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). Requires infrequent dethatching, occasional aeration, and overseeding in bare spots. Medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic and wear tolerance, good drought recovery, moderate disease and insect resistance, and good shade tolerance. Highly effective for erosion control and weed suppression.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used in conservation and turf. Provides good ground cover and soil stabilization, reduces runoff, and offers habitat and forage for various wildlife and livestock.