Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF); potentially 'Rebel', 'Falcon', or 'Titan' series based on high density and medium-coarse texture.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7. Excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; remains green through mild winters but may go semi-dormant in extreme cold.
About This Grass
A robust, deep-rooted grass with a rich green color. It forms a dense canopy with visible vertical growth. Maintaining its green color longer into winter than warm-season grasses, it is known for its durability and bunching appearance if not overseeded.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is medium-coarse (approx. 3-5mm). Blades are flat with prominent longitudinal veins (ribbed) on the upper surface. Tip is pointed (not boat-shaped). Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are small or absent.
Root System
Exceptionally deep fibrous root system (often 2-3 feet deep), providing superior drought resistance among cool-season grasses. Low thatch producer. Moderate establishment speed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; now widely naturalized across North America, specifically the U.S. Transition Zone.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming). Some newer cultivars exhibit short rhizomatous spreading (RTF), but primarily grows in dense clumps.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; requires 4-6 hours of sun. High water needs during establishment, but high drought tolerance once mature. Prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height: 3.0 to 4.0 inches. Higher heights encourage deeper rooting. Low to medium maintenance; fertilize with 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft annually. Requires periodic overseeding to fill in bare spots due to bunch growth habit.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance and foot traffic resistance. Good shade tolerance compared to Bermuda. Generally resistant to most diseases but susceptible to Brown Patch (Rhizoctonia) in high heat and humidity.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Widely used for soil stabilization and erosion control on slopes. Provides cover for small mammals; some forage varieties contain endophytes that can be toxic to livestock, though turf varieties are bred for durability.