Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, highly adapted to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky-31 (K-31) or similar coarse forage-type turf cultivar
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9, excellent heat and cold tolerance, very well suited to the transition zone
About This Grass
Forms coarse, upright clumps with bright to medium green leaves, growing 2 to 4 feet tall if left unmowed, maintaining a coarse texture and moderate to low density compared to fine turf grasses
Blade Characteristics
Coarse width (>4mm), flat shape with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, pointed tips, medium green color, rolled vernation in the bud, with a membranous ligule and small or absent auricles
Root System
Deep fibrous root system going down several feet, excellent drought avoidance, moderate establishment speed, does not form an aggressive dense mat like bluegrass
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely cultivated and naturalized across North America, performing well in the transition zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) grass with short rhizomes sometimes present, spreading primarily through tillering rather than aggressive stolons
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade, moderate watering needs once established, exceptionally drought-tolerant due to deep roots, prefers well-drained loamy to clay soils with pH 5.5 to 6.5
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height 2.5 to 4 inches, weekly mowing during active growth, low to medium maintenance level requiring 2 to 3 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually
Special Characteristics
Good wear tolerance, high resistance to summer stress, moderate shade tolerance, excellent drought recovery, widely used for utility turf, lawns, and erosion control
Ecological Information
Introduced species, provides good erosion control and soil stabilization on slopes, commonly used in turf blends and pastures, high durability under heavy traffic