Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, highly well-adapted to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
'Rebel', 'Falcon', or other turf-type tall fescue cultivars known for darker green color and finer texture than older pasture varieties
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. Excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass, highly suitable for the transition zone.
About This Grass
Forms a moderately dense, upright turf with a coarse to medium texture. Unmowed, it can grow up to 2-4 feet tall, but when maintained as a lawn it forms a deep green, robust turf. Color remains green longer into drought and winter than many other cool-season grasses.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-to-wide (4-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface and a shiny underside. Tip is pointed. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is a short, membranous collar with small auricles often absent or blunt.
Root System
Extremely deep root system (often going down 2-3 feet or more), fibrous, highly drought-resistant once established. Moderate to slow establishment speed from seed, forms a moderately tight turf rather than a thick mat.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa, introduced to North America where it is widely cultivated in the Transition Zone and northern regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming), though modern turf-type tall fescues can spread very slowly via short rhizomes to form a moderately dense sward
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun to moderate shade (better shade tolerance than Kentucky Bluegrass or Bermuda). Requires moderate watering; high drought tolerance due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained loamy soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches. Mowing frequency is moderate during peak spring and fall growth. Fertilization requires about 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. Medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear tolerance, good resistance to common turf diseases, very drought tolerant due to deep root system, poor winter color retention compared to some grasses as it can go semi-dormant in severe cold, excellent erosion control.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides good ground cover and soil stabilization. Often infected with a beneficial endophyte fungus that deters insect pests. Used extensively in blends with Kentucky Bluegrass or perennial ryegrass.