Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF) - generic appearance suggests a blend of modern varieties such as 'Rebel' or 'Falcon' series.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; exceptional heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; good cold tolerance; stays green well into winter in transition zones.
About This Grass
A coarse to medium-textured grass with a deep green color. It grows in dense clumps and is known for its upright growth habit. When unmowed, it can reach 3-4 feet; maintainted, it provides a rugged, durable turf surface. Seed heads are large, open panicles appearing in late spring.
Blade Characteristics
Width: 5-8mm (coarse to medium); Shape: Flat; Tip: Pointed; Color: Dark green with visible longitudinal ribs/veins on the upper surface; Vernation: Rolled in the bud; Ligule: Short, membranous; Auricles: Small or absent (occasionally blunt); Margins: Rough/serrated to the touch.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (often extending 2-3 feet deep), facilitating excellent drought tolerance. Low thatch tendency; moderate establishment speed from seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; widely adapted to the Transition Zone of the United States and temperate regions worldwide.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); very limited rhizomatous activity in some modern cultivars but primarily spreads through tillering.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Adapts to Full Sun to Partial Shade (requires at least 4-6 hours of direct light). Moderate water needs, though highly drought tolerant once established. Prefers well-drained soils with pH 5.5 to 7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Recommended height: 2.5 to 4.0 inches (mow higher in summer). Frequency: Weekly during peak growth. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft per year. Maintenance level: Medium.
Special Characteristics
High traffic/wear tolerance due to coarse blades; excellent drought resistance; susceptible to Brown Patch (Rhizoctonia solani) in hot, humid conditions; excellent at crowding out weeds if kept dense.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides forage for livestock and erosion control on banks. Often contains beneficial endophytes (fungal symbionts) that provide resistance to certain insects and stresses.