Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass; commonly used in the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Biltmore')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9; highly adaptable to the transition zone with good heat and cold tolerance
About This Grass
Forms a dense, upright, coarse-to-medium textured turf with a vibrant medium-to-dark green color; typically maintained at 2 to 3.5 inches
Blade Characteristics
Coarse to medium width (4-8mm), flat blades with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, pointed tips, and rolled vernation in the bud
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (up to 3-4 feet deep), providing excellent drought tolerance and moderate establishment speed
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe; widely naturalized and cultivated across North America, especially the transition zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass forming dense clumps, though modern turf types can have very short rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; moderate water needs once established, excellent drought tolerance due to deep roots
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow at 2.5 to 4 inches; medium maintenance level requiring regular mowing, moderate fertilization, and occasional overseeding
Special Characteristics
High wear and traffic tolerance, excellent drought and heat resistance for a cool-season grass, good disease resistance, and strong erosion control capability
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for soil stabilization, erosion control on slopes, and turf applications with moderate wildlife value