Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season perennial grass, C3 photosynthetic pathway, highly adapted to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, and Pasture/Forage
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue varieties (e.g., 'Bison', 'Rebel IV', 'Titan')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9. Excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass, making it a staple of the transition zone, and good cold hardiness.
About This Grass
Forms a moderately coarse, upright, dense turf with a deep green color. Height ranges from 2 to 4 inches when maintained, and up to 2-3 feet if allowed to grow out. Texture is coarser than Kentucky bluegrass or fine fescue.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-to-coarse in width (4-10 mm), flat, with pointed tips, prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, and smooth, glossy undersides. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is a very short, membranous collar, and auricles are absent or blunt.
Root System
Extremely deep fibrous root system (often reaching 2 to 3 feet or more into the soil), giving it superior drought resistance among cool-season grasses. Moderate establishment speed and low-to-moderate thatch tendency.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe; widely naturalized and cultivated across North America, particularly in the transition zone and cooler regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass that can form a moderately dense sward with short, rudimentary rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun to partial shade (more shade tolerant than Kentucky bluegrass). Watering needs are moderate once established, highly drought-tolerant due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained loamy soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches. Frequency is weekly during peak spring and fall growth. Fertilization needs are moderate (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). Maintenance level is low to medium.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic and wear tolerance, good drought recovery, decent shade tolerance, and good resistance to many common turf diseases. Retains green color well into winter.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for erosion control, pasture forage, and turfgrass. Provides moderate wildlife habitat and excellent soil stabilization due to its extensive, deep root system.