Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, highly well-adapted to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Titan')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9. Performs exceptionally well in the transition zone where summers are too hot for many cool-season grasses.
About This Grass
Forms a moderately dense, coarse-textured bunch-type turf with a deep green color. Height ranges from 2 to 4 inches when maintained as a lawn, or up to 3 feet if left unmowed. Shows good summer heat tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses.
Blade Characteristics
Medium-to-coarse width (4-8mm), flat shape with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, pointed tips, dark green color, rolled vernation in the bud, and a short membranous ligule with small auricles often absent or indistinct.
Root System
Deep, robust fibrous root system extending up to 2-3 feet deep, providing excellent drought tolerance and good soil stabilization. Moderate to slow establishment speed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely naturalized and cultivated across North America, especially in the transition zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass with short, underground rhizomes allowing limited lateral spread
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to moderate shade. Requires moderate watering once established, exhibiting superior drought tolerance compared to Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Maintain mowing height between 2.5 to 4 inches. Fertilize moderately at 2 to 4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year. Low to medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Good wear and traffic tolerance, excellent drought recovery, moderate shade tolerance, and good resistance to common turf diseases, though susceptible to brown patch in hot, humid weather.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for lawns, pastures, and erosion control along highways. Provides good ground cover and soil stabilization with minimal invasive tendencies outside of managed turf.