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, Pasture/Forage Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky 31 (KY-31)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9, excellent heat and cold tolerance, well-suited for the transition zone.
About This Grass
Forms dense, upright clumps with dark green, coarse-textured leaves. Can grow 2 to 4 feet tall if left unmowed, but maintained as turf between 2 to 3.5 inches. Features prominent upright growth with stiff, vertical leaf blades.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse width (4-8mm), flat shape, pointed tip, dark green to medium green color, rolled vernation in the bud, prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, with a small membranous ligule and blunt auricles.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system extending down 2 to 3 feet or more, providing exceptional drought tolerance, moderate establishment speed, and minimal thatch tendency.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely naturalized and cultivated across North America, particularly in the transition zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass that can form a somewhat coarse turf through tillering and short rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade, requires moderate watering once established, exhibits very good drought tolerance due to deep roots, prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow at 2.5 to 4 inches, moderate maintenance level, requires 2-4 lbs of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft annually, benefits from core aeration and overseeding thin spots in autumn.
Special Characteristics
High traffic and wear tolerance, good resistance to common turf diseases, moderate shade tolerance, exceptional drought recovery ability, and excellent erosion control on slopes.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for pasture and turf, provides good ground cover and soil stabilization, heavily utilized for erosion control and livestock grazing.