Tall Fescue (mixed with Orchardgrass)
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Pasture/Forage Grass, Weed Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common/Forage type (wild-growing)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; excellent cold and heat tolerance; semi-dormant in extreme summer heat or winter cold.
About This Grass
A coarse, deep-rooted grass forming dense clumps. Green to dark green color, standing 2-4 feet tall if unmowed. Features a stiff, upright growth habit and a nodding panicle seed head at maturity.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blade width (5-10mm), flat shape, pointed tip, dark green with prominent parallel veins/ridges on the upper surface. Rolled vernation in the bud, short membranous ligule, and small or absent auricles with a broad, pale collar.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system reaching up to 2-3 feet; low thatch tendency; excellent drought tolerance due to depth; moderate establishment speed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; naturalized throughout North America
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with occasional short rhizomes; slow spreading
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; high drought tolerance; prefers moist, heavy soils but adaptable to a wide pH range (5.5-8.5).
Mowing & Maintenance
Maintenance: low. Ideal mowing height 3-4 inches. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft/year if managed for turf. Highly competitive against weeds.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance, excellent salt tolerance, moderate shade tolerance, resistant to most common turf diseases, very high drought recovery ability.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Invasive in some native prairies; provides forage for livestock and nesting cover for birds; excellent for soil stabilization and erosion control on banks.