Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, highly tolerant of the transition zone
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, and Erosion Control
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9, excellent heat and cold tolerance
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue (e.g., 'Biltmore', 'Rebel')
About This Grass
Forms a moderately coarse, upright, dense turf with vibrant medium-to-dark green color, growing up to 2-3 feet if unmowed
Blade Characteristics
Medium-to-coarse width (4-6mm), flat shape, pointed tips, rolled in the bud (vernation), prominent parallel veins
Root System
Deep root system extending 2-3 feet into the soil, fibrous, moderate establishment speed, excellent drought avoidance
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely naturalized and cultivated across North America
Growth Habit
Bunch-type with short rhizomes, forming dense clumps rather than an aggressive spreading mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade, moderate watering needs once established, superior drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow at 2.5 to 4 inches height, medium maintenance, requires 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance, good traffic recovery, strong disease resistance, highly adaptable to various soil types
Ecological Information
Introduced species, provides excellent soil stabilization, valuable for erosion control and wildlife forage