Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, highly adapted to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass and Pasture Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky 31 (KY-31) and modern turf-type cultivars like Rebel or Hounddog
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9, excellent heat and cold tolerance, very well-suited for the transition zone
About This Grass
Forms a coarse-textured, deep green turf with high density when properly maintained. Unmowed height can reach 2 to 4 feet. Shows good heat and drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses.
Blade Characteristics
Medium to coarse width blades (4-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, pointed tips, rolled in the bud (vernation), and a short membranous ligule with small or absent auricles
Root System
Extremely deep root system going down 2 to 3 feet or more, fibrous, moderate to low thatch-forming tendency, medium establishment speed from seed
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely naturalized and cultivated across North America, especially in the transition zone and upper South
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass that can form a moderately dense turf through slow-growing short rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun to partial shade, exhibits good shade tolerance for a cool-season grass, requires moderate watering and possesses high drought tolerance once established
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height ranges from 2.5 to 4 inches, mowed weekly during peak growth, moderate fertilization needs (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year), medium-low maintenance level
Special Characteristics
High traffic and wear tolerance, good disease resistance, moderate salt tolerance, excellent drought recovery via deep roots, widely used for home lawns and sports fields
Ecological Information
Introduced species, provides good wildlife habitat and forage for livestock, excellent soil stabilization and erosion control due to its deep root system, commonly blended with Kentucky bluegrass