Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue cultivars (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Titan')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9. Highly adaptable to the transition zone, exhibiting good heat and cold tolerance.
About This Grass
Forms a dense, medium-to-coarse textured turf with a vibrant medium-green color. Grows upright and maintains good color throughout the growing season, showing better heat and drought tolerance than many other cool-season grasses.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-wide (3-6mm), flat, with pointed tips, prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, and smooth to slightly rough margins. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is a very short membrane, and auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system going down several feet, providing excellent drought resistance and moderate recovery from wear, though establishment from seed is moderately slow.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe, widely cultivated and naturalized throughout North America and temperate regions worldwide
Growth Habit
Bunch-type forming dense clumps with short rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Requires moderate watering once established, with high drought tolerance due to its deep root system. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height ranges from 2.5 to 4 inches. Mowing frequency is moderate during active growth seasons. Requires moderate fertilization (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually). Medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Good wear tolerance, high resistance to major turf diseases compared to other cool-season grasses, excellent drought tolerance, poor salt tolerance, and moderate shade tolerance.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for lawns, pastures, and erosion control on slopes. Provides good ground cover and soil stabilization. Often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass in turf applications.