Tall Fescue (mixed with broadleaf weeds)
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season perennial (C3)
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf and Pasture Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Generic K-31 or Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF) blend
Hardiness Zones
USDA zones 4-7; highly successful in the Transition Zone due to heat tolerance compared to Bluegrass.
About This Grass
A coarse to medium-textured grass forming distinct clumps. In the image, it appears as dark green patches within a thin, weed-infested lawn. It maintains a deep green color in autumn but can go dormant or brown in extreme summer heat or winter cold.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is medium to coarse (4-10mm). Venation is prominent with distinct longitudinal ribs on the upper surface; margins are rough/serrated. The tip is sharply pointed (not boat-shaped). Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are typically absent or very small.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (reaching 2-3 feet), providing excellent drought tolerance. It is a slow-to-thatch grass but has poor self-repair capabilities due to its bunch-forming habit.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; naturalized throughout North America, especially the Transition Zone.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); occasionally produces very short, weak rhizomes but lacks aggressive spreading capability.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun but has moderate shade tolerance. Requires moderate watering; once established, it is one of the most drought-tolerant cool-season grasses. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Recommended height of 2.5 to 4.0 inches. Higher mowing promotes deeper roots. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. High maintenance required for overseeding since it does not spread to fill bare spots.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance once established; high resistance to heat and drought. Susceptible to Brown Patch disease in humid summers. Excellent for erosion control on slopes.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides soil stabilization and some forage for livestock. In the image, it is outcompeted by Trifolium (clover) and Glechoma hederacea (ground ivy), suggesting low density and high soil compaction.