Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF) - generic variety
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7 (best in 5-6), high heat tolerance for cool-season types, excellent cold hardiness, semi-dormant in extreme heat/cold
About This Grass
A coarse to medium-textured grass forming a dense, durable sod. It maintains a deep green color throughout the growing season and stays green longer into the winter than many other cool-season grasses.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width 4-10mm (coarse), flat, pointed tip, dark green, rolled vernation, prominent veins on upper surface, smooth underside, rudimentary auricles, short membranous ligule
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (up to 2-3 feet deep), low thatch tendency, excellent drought resistance due to depth, moderate establishment speed
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; widely adapted to the Transition Zone of the United States
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with occasional short rhizomes; slow rate of lateral spread
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to moderate shade; requires 4-6 hours of sun; moderate water needs; excellent drought tolerance for a cool-season grass; prefers pH 5.5-7.5
Mowing & Maintenance
Height 2.0-4.0 inches (3.0-3.5 optimized); weekly frequency; 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year; low dethatching needs; annual overseeding recommended to fill clumps; medium maintenance level
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance, good shade tolerance, excellent drought avoidance, resistant to many common turf diseases but susceptible to Brown Patch (Rhizoctonia solani)
Ecological Information
Introduced species; provides soil stabilization on slopes; low wildlife food value compared to native grasses; can be invasive in native meadow ecosystems