Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, well-adapted to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, and Erosion Control Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky 31 (KY-31)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9, excellent heat and cold tolerance, highly suitable for the transition zone, goes into summer dormancy during extreme heat if unwatered
About This Grass
Forms a moderately coarse, upright, and clump-forming turf with a bright to dark green color. Unmowed heights can reach 2 to 4 feet, while maintained turf sits around 2 to 3 inches. Exhibits good density when established and produces open panicle seed heads at maturity.
Blade Characteristics
Medium to coarse width (4-8mm), flat shape with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, pointed tips, dark green color, rolled vernation in the bud, and a membranous ligule with absent auricles
Root System
Deep fibrous root system reaching depths of 2 to 3 feet or more, low thatch tendency, moderate establishment speed from seed, offering excellent drought avoidance and good wear recovery
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely naturalized and cultivated across North America, particularly in the transition zone and temperate regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass with very short, occasional rhizomes, forming dense clumps and stands over time
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade tolerant. Requires moderate watering once established, possesses high drought tolerance due to deep roots, and adapts well to a wide range of soil types with a preferred pH of 5.5 to 6.5
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height ranges from 2.5 to 4 inches. Requires regular mowing during active growth, low to moderate fertilization (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually), infrequent dethatching, and low overall maintenance
Special Characteristics
High traffic and wear tolerance, good disease resistance against common patch diseases, moderate shade tolerance, exceptional drought survival due to deep rooting, and excellent erosion control capabilities
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for pasture forage and wildlife cover. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control on slopes. Can form dense monocultures but generally acts as a reliable companion grass in utility turf mixes.