Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF); likely a modern blend like 'Rebel' or 'Titan' series based on fine leaf width and dense growth
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; best in the Transition Zone; high cold tolerance; better heat tolerance than other cool-season grasses; stays green through mild winters
About This Grass
A deep-rooted, durable grass with a medium-to-coarse texture. It maintains a dark green color during spring and fall, with a dense, upright growth habit. Visible clumps are characteristic if the stand is thinned.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width 3-6mm; pointed tips; dark green color; leaves are rolled in the bud (vernation); prominent veins on the upper surface; rough (scabrous) margins; ligule is short and membranous; auricles are small or absent (short-hairs may be present)
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (often reaching 2-3 feet); low thatch tendency; moderate establishment speed from seed; high wear recovery through tillering; creates a stable sod
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; widely adapted throughout the United States Transition Zone and temperate climates globally
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); spreads primarily through tillering, although some modern cultivars exhibit short rhizomatous activity
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; requires at least 4-6 hours of direct sun; moderate-to-high water needs but possesses high drought tolerance due to deep roots; prefers neutral to slightly acidic pH (5.5-7.0)
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5-4.0 inches; weekly frequency; fertilization 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually; aeration recommended in fall; medium maintenance level
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance; deep roots provide superior drought resistance compared to Kentucky Bluegrass; fair shade tolerance; resistant to most common turf diseases; excellent for erosion control on slopes
Ecological Information
Introduced (non-native) in North America; provides soil stabilization; low wildlife food value but provides cover; some cultivars contain endophytes which improve pest resistance but can be toxic to livestock