Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF); variety unknown but exhibits darker green color and finer texture than standard 'Kentucky 31'
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; Excellent heat tolerance for cool-season category; stays green through much of winter in transition zones
About This Grass
Dense, bunch-forming turf with a deep green color. Maintained height usually 3-4 inches; grows to 2-4 feet if unmowed. Coarse to medium texture with visible vertical ribbing. Seed heads are open panicles.
Blade Characteristics
Width: 3-6mm (medium-coarse); Shape: Flat; Tip: Pointed; Color: Dark green; Vernation: Rolled; Texture: Rough edges; Ligule: Short, membranous; Auricles: Small or absent; Collar: Broad and divided
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (up to 2-3 feet); low thatch tendency; moderate establishment speed; excellent drought avoidance due to depth
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; widely adapted to the Transition Zone and temperate regions of North America
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clumping); spreads primarily by tillering; very limited short rhizomes may occur in some cultivars
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to moderate shade (requires 4-6 hours sun); moderate water needs but highly drought tolerant for a cool-season grass; prefers pH 5.5-7.5
Mowing & Maintenance
Height: 3.0-4.0 inches; Frequency: Weekly during growing season; Fertilizer: 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year; Low to Medium maintenance; requires periodic overseeding
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance; excellent shade tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses; resistant to most lawn diseases but susceptible to Brown Patch (Rhizoctonia solani) in high humidity
Ecological Information
Introduced species; provides soil stabilization via deep roots; lower ecological value for native wildlife but serves as forage in agricultural settings