Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass (primarily a Transition Zone grass)
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf and Pasture Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type Tall Fescue (TTTF); likely an older common cultivar or K-31 mixed with finer-bladed varieties based on the coarse texture and broad blades visible.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 7; excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass, though it may struggle in extreme Zone 8/9 heat without irrigation.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, deep-rooted grass known for its dark green color and clumping nature. In the image, it's visible as the wider, ribbed blades growing amidst finer grasses (likely Bermuda or Crabgrass). Seed heads are branched panicles that appear in late spring if left unmowed.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blade width (>4mm), flat shape, pointed tip (not boat-shaped). The upper surface has prominent, rough longitudinal veins. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligules are short and membranous; auricles are small or absent but often have short hairs.
Root System
Exceptionally deep fibrous root system (often 3-6 feet deep), which provides superior drought tolerance for a cool-season grass. It does not form a dense thatch layer compared to Kentucky Bluegrass.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; widely naturalized across North America, especially in the Transition Zone and Mediterranean climates.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming). Some newer cultivars have limited rhizomatous activity, but it primarily spreads through tillering.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; it is one of the most shade-tolerant cool-season turfgrasses. Requires moderate watering but survives drought through deep roots and entering semi-dormancy.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 3.0 to 4.0 inches. Lower mowing causes stress and thins the stand. Requires 2-4 lbs of Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually, primarily in the fall. Low to Medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance for foot traffic, moderate shade tolerance, and high resistance to most turf diseases like leaf spot, though susceptible to Brown Patch in humid summers. Excellent for erosion control.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides good soil stabilization due to root depth. Can be invasive in native prairies. Often used in mixes with Kentucky Bluegrass or Perennial Ryegrass to improve durability.