Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, widely used in 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 through 9, excellent heat and cold tolerance, highly suitable for the transition zone
About This Grass
Forms a dense, upright turf with a medium-coarse texture and deep green color. Height ranges from 2 to 3 inches when maintained as a lawn, but can grow up to 2-4 feet if unmowed. Produces open, branched panicle seed heads at maturity.
Blade Characteristics
Medium to coarse width (3-6mm), flat shape with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, pointed tips, medium to dark green color, rolled vernation in the bud, and a short membranous ligule with no auricles
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system going down several feet, moderate to fast establishment, low thatch-forming tendency, excellent drought avoidance due to deep roots
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; naturalized and widely cultivated across North America, particularly the transition zone and cooler regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass that can form a moderately dense sward with short, underground rhizomes in some turf-type cultivars
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun to partial shade, moderate watering needs once established, high drought tolerance due to deep roots, prefers well-drained loamy soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches, mowed weekly during peak growth, requires 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually, low to medium maintenance level
Special Characteristics
Good wear tolerance, excellent drought and heat tolerance for a cool-season grass, good shade tolerance, strong disease and insect resistance, excellent erosion control
Ecological Information
Introduced species, provides good soil stabilization and erosion control, wildlife habitat value as cover and food source, commonly blended with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass