Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · 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 (e.g., 'Rebel IV', 'Biltmore'); bred for finer texture, darker green color, and denser growth than older forage varieties like 'Kentucky 31'
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9; excellent tolerance for the transition zone with good heat and cold tolerance
About This Grass
Forms a moderately coarse, upright, dense turf with a deep green color. Unmowed height reaches 2 to 4 feet with open panicle seed heads, but when maintained it forms a uniform, durable turf. Exhibits good heat and drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses.
Blade Characteristics
Medium-to-coarse width (3-6mm), flat shape with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface and a shiny underside. Tip is pointed. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Features a short membranous ligule and small, blunt auricles (or sometimes clasping), with a distinct broad collar.
Root System
Deep root system (often reaching 2 to 3 feet or more), which contributes to exceptional drought tolerance. Moderate establishment speed from seed, forms a moderately thick sod, and has a low-to-moderate thatch-forming tendency.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe; widely cultivated throughout the United States, particularly the transition zone and cooler northern regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass that can form a moderately dense sward, occasionally producing very short rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun but has good shade tolerance compared to other turf grasses. Requires moderate watering once established; needs about 1 inch of water per week. High drought tolerance due to deep roots.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches. Mowing frequency is moderate (weekly during active growth). Fertilization needs are moderate (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually). Low-to-medium overall maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High wear and traffic tolerance, excellent drought and heat tolerance for a cool-season grass, good disease resistance, moderate salt tolerance, and recovers well from traffic stress
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for erosion control, soil stabilization, and turf. Provides moderate wildlife habitat and is often blended with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass