Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, highly adaptable to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue cultivars (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Biltmore')
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 7, excellent for the transition zone with good heat and cold tolerance
About This Grass
Forms a moderately dense, coarse-textured bunchgrass turf with a bright to dark green color. Reaches up to 2-4 feet tall if left unmowed, but maintained at 2-3 inches for lawns.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blade width (4-8mm), flat shape with prominent parallel veins, pointed tips, rolled vernation in the bud, and a membranous ligule with small or absent auricles
Root System
Deep fibrous root system going down several feet, providing exceptional drought tolerance and heat resistance compared to other cool-season grasses; moderate to low thatch tendency
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely cultivated and naturalized across North America, particularly well-suited to the transition zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type growth habit forming moderate clumps, though modern turf-types can have short rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun to partial shade; requires moderate moisture for establishment and has good drought resistance once mature due to deep roots
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 3.5 inches; medium maintenance level requiring regular mowing, moderate fertilization (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year), and occasional overseeding
Special Characteristics
Good wear tolerance, excellent drought and heat tolerance for a cool-season grass, moderate shade tolerance, and good resistance to many common turf diseases
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for pasture, turf, and erosion control on slopes and roadsides; provides good ground cover and soil stabilization