Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass; highly adapted 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 cultivars (e.g., 'Biltmore', 'Rebel', 'Falcon')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 7 (adaptable to zone 9 in some regions). Excellent heat and drought tolerance for a cool-season grass, surviving transition zone summers well.
About This Grass
Tall Fescue is a coarse-textured, deep-green bunchgrass that grows in clumps but can form a uniform turf when seeded densely. Unmowed height reaches 2 to 4 feet, while maintained turf is kept around 2 to 3.5 inches. Features prominent veins on the upper leaf surface and produces open, branched panicle seed heads.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-to-coarse in width (4-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins, and have a pointed tip. Vernation is rolled in the bud. The ligule is a very short membrane, and auricles are small and blunt or absent.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system going down 2 to 4 feet or more, contributing to exceptional drought tolerance. Forms moderate thatch under high management, establishes relatively quickly from seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely naturalized and cultivated across North America, performing best in the transition zone and northern regions.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with short, thick rhizomes, forming a moderately dense turf rather than a tightly knit mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun to partial shade, tolerates shade better than many other cool-season turfgrasses. Requires moderate watering once established, exhibits high drought tolerance due to deep roots, and prefers well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches. Requires regular mowing during active growth, moderate fertilization (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually), occasional aeration, and overseeding to repair thin areas. Maintenance level is medium.
Special Characteristics
Very good traffic and wear tolerance, good resistance to brown patch and other common turf diseases, moderate shade and drought tolerance, excellent erosion control on slopes.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for utility turf, pastures, and erosion control. Provides good cover and food source for wildlife, excellent soil stabilization, and is frequently blended with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass.