Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass; highly adaptable 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', 'Falcon', 'Biltmore') bred for finer texture, darker green color, and denser growth than older forage varieties like 'Kentucky 31'
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. Excellent heat and drought tolerance for a cool-season grass, making it a primary choice for the transition zone. Goes semi-dormant in extreme summer heat or prolonged winter freezing
About This Grass
Forms a moderately coarse, upright, dense turf with a deep green color. Height ranges from 2 to 4 inches when maintained as a lawn, but can grow up to 3 to 4 feet if left unmowed. Texture is medium-coarse with prominent veining on the upper blade surface
Blade Characteristics
Medium to coarse blade width (4-8mm), flat shape, pointed tips, medium to dark green color, rolled vernation in the bud, prominent parallel veins on the upper surface giving it a ribbed appearance. Features a small, membranous ligule and blunt, small auricles
Root System
Deep root system extending up to 2 to 3 feet or more into the soil, providing exceptional drought tolerance. Low to moderate thatch-forming tendency, moderate establishment speed from seed, and forms a strong, deep sod that recovers well from traffic
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; widely cultivated throughout the United States, particularly the transition zone and cool-temperate regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass that can form a moderately dense turf through short, underground rhizomes when managed correctly, though primarily bunch-forming
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun but has good shade tolerance compared to other cool-season turfgrasses. Requires moderate watering once established; high drought tolerance due to its deep root system. Prefers well-draining soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height ranges from 2.5 to 4 inches. Mow frequently during active spring and fall growth periods, removing no more than one-third of the blade at a time. Requires moderate fertilization (2 to 4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year), occasional aeration, and low to moderate maintenance level
Special Characteristics
High traffic and wear tolerance, excellent drought and heat tolerance compared to Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass. Good shade tolerance, moderate disease resistance (susceptible to brown patch in hot, humid weather), and good erosion control due to deep roots
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides good wildlife cover and soil stabilization on slopes and banks. Low invasive tendencies in established turf, though can escape into natural areas. Frequently blended with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass to improve turf density and self-repairing capabilities