Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass; highly adaptable 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 cultivars (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Biltmore')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9, excellent heat and cold tolerance, ideal for the transition zone.
About This Grass
Forms a moderately dense, coarse to medium-textured turf with upright growth. Mowed height typically ranges from 2 to 3.5 inches. Color ranges from medium to dark green with good wear resistance and ability to stay green longer in drought conditions.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-coarse in width (4-8mm), flat with prominent veins on the upper surface, smooth underneath, pointed tips, rolled in the bud (vernation), with a small membranous ligule and no auricles.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system going down several feet, providing superior drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses. Moderate establishment speed and low thatch-forming tendency.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely cultivated throughout North America, especially in the transition zone and cool-humid regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type growth habit with short, underground rhizomes providing limited lateral spread
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun to moderate shade. Requires moderate watering once established, with superior drought resistance due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow at 2.5 to 4 inches. Medium maintenance level requiring 2-4 lbs of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft annually. Occasional overseeding is needed to thicken thin areas since it is a bunch grass.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance, good drought recovery, deep roots for erosion control, moderate shade tolerance, and good resistance to common turf diseases.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for erosion control and turf. Provides habitat and ground cover for various small wildlife and stabilizes soil effectively.