Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, highly adaptable in the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
'Rebel IV' or similar turf-type tall fescue cultivars known for finer texture and darker green color
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. Excellent heat and drought tolerance for a cool-season grass, highly favored in the transition zone.
About This Grass
Forms a moderately dense, upright turf with medium-coarse texture. Reaches heights up to 2-4 feet if unmowed, but maintained at 2-3 inches. Color ranges from medium to dark green, maintaining good color into late autumn.
Blade Characteristics
Medium-coarse width (4-8mm), flat shape with prominent veins on the upper surface, pointed tips, rolled in the bud (vernation). Has a small membranous ligule and blunt auricles.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system going down 2-3 feet or more, providing exceptional drought tolerance. Moderate establishment speed, minimal thatch tendency compared to aggressive spreading grasses.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely naturalized and cultivated across North America, particularly in the transition zone and cooler humid regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type forming dense clumps, though modern turf-type varieties can have very short rhizomes resulting in a slight spreading capability
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun but has good partial shade tolerance. Moderate water requirements once established, highly drought-resistant due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 3.5 inches. Moderate maintenance level requiring regular mowing, 2-4 lbs of nitrogen per 1000 sq ft per year, and occasional overseeding to fill in thin spots.
Special Characteristics
Good traffic and wear tolerance, excellent drought and heat tolerance for a cool-season grass, good disease resistance, moderate shade tolerance, and superior erosion control.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for pasture and turf. Provides good wildlife cover and soil stabilization on slopes and roadsides, with minimal invasive tendencies outside of managed areas.