Tall Fescue (Turf-Type)
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass; highly adaptive to the transition zone.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF) cultivar mixed blend (likely 'Rebel', 'Titan', or 'Falcon' series based on color and density)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7; exceptional heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; remains green in winter unless temperatures are extremely severe.
About This Grass
A dense, bunching grass with a deep green to dark green color. It maintains a very upright growth habit. When mowed, it forms a thick canopy; when unmowed, it can reach 2-4 feet. It is known for its coarse to medium texture and lack of a thatch layer.
Blade Characteristics
Wide blades (4-10mm) with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface. The tips are pointed (not boat-shaped). Vernation is rolled in the bud. It features a short, membranous ligule and small or absent auricles. Lower sheath is usually reddish-purple at the base.
Root System
Deeply fibrous root system, often extending 2-3 feet deep, providing superior drought resistance. Low thatch tendency; moderate establishment speed from seed; low lateral spread requiring overseeding for repair.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; widely adapted throughout the Transition Zone of the United States and temperate regions globally.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); lacks significant rhizomes or stolons, though some newer varieties exhibit short rhizomatous growth.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade (4-6 hours minimum); excellent drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 3.0-4.0 inches; mowing frequency 1x weekly. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. Low to medium maintenance; periodic overseeding necessary due to bunch-type habit.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance for foot traffic; excellent drought resistance; susceptible to Brown Patch (Rhizoctonia) in humid heat; excellent for home lawns and park settings.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America; provides soil stabilization for slopes; non-invasive in most managed landscapes; often blended with Kentucky Bluegrass for improved recovery potential.