Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type Tall Fescue (cultivar unknown, likely a common forage or older turf variety based on coarse texture)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; adapts well to the Transition Zone. Excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass. Remains green in winter except in extreme cold.
About This Grass
A robust, clumping grass with a deep green color. It forms dense isolated bunches. When unmowed, it can reach 2-4 feet; maintained turf stays at 2-4 inches. It has a coarse texture with prominent longitudinal ribs on the upper leaf surface.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades (4-10mm wide) with a flat shape and sharply pointed tips. Color is dark green. Vernation is rolled in the bud. The upper surface has distinct ridges; the underside is smooth and shiny. Ligule is short and membranous. Auricles are small, blunt, and short-hairy.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (often 2-3 feet deep), giving it superior drought tolerance. Low thatch tendency due to bunch growth. Established by seed with moderate speed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; widely naturalized throughout North America, especially the Transition Zone.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clumping). It spreads primarily by tillering and lacks significant rhizomes or stolons.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun but has moderate shade tolerance. High water needs during establishment; once established, it has high drought tolerance due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height 2.0-4.0 inches. Recommended 2.5-3.5 inches for health. Needs 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. Low to medium maintenance; requires periodic overseeding to fill in thinned clumps.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance but slow recovery (clumping habit). Good resistance to most common diseases (except Brown Patch in high humidity). Used for home lawns, parks, and low-maintenance athletic fields.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization on slopes. Useful for forage in pastures. Can be invasive in native cool-season prairies. Often mixed with Kentucky Bluegrass for durability.