Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, widely used in the transition zone
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass and Sports Turf
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9, performing exceptionally well in the transition zone.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type Tall Fescue (e.g., 'Biltmore', 'Rebel', 'Falcon')
About This Grass
Forms a dense, deep-rooted turf with a coarse to medium-coarse texture and a rich dark green color. Unmowed height can reach 2 to 4 feet, but when maintained it forms a uniform upright canopy.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-coarse in width (4-8mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface and a shiny underside. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Tips are pointed. Ligule is a short membrane, and auricles are absent or blunt.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system going down several feet into the soil, providing exceptional drought resistance and moderate thatch-forming tendency.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and parts of North Africa and Asia; widely naturalized and cultivated in North America, particularly the transition zone.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type grass with short, underground rhizomes that provide limited lateral spreading and high density.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to moderate shade. Requires regular watering for best appearance, but possesses good drought tolerance due to its deep root system.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches. Medium maintenance level requiring regular mowing, moderate nitrogen fertilization, and occasional overseeding.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance, good heat and drought tolerance for a cool-season grass, and good disease resistance.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for erosion control, pasture, and turf. Provides good wildlife cover and soil stabilization.
Notes
Apple valley ca