Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF) - generic variety visible
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; stays green for much of the winter in transition zones.
About This Grass
Medium to coarse-textured grass with a deep green color. Forms dense clumps when maintained properly. Known for its vertical growth and prominent leaf veining.
Blade Characteristics
Width: 4-10mm (coarse); Tip: Pointed; Color: Dark green with visible longitudinal ribs; Vernation: Rolled; Ligule: Short, membranous; Auricles: Small or absent, often with short hairs on the collar.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (up to 2-3 feet deep); slow thatch producer; excellent establishment speed from seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and North Africa; naturalized across temperate North America and the transition zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with limited short rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade (4-6 hours minimum); moderate to high water needs though it is more drought tolerant than most cool-season grasses due to deep roots.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height: 3.0 to 4.0 inches; Mowing Frequency: Weekly; Fertilizer: 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year; Maintenance Level: Medium.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance; excellent drought resistance for a C3 grass; susceptible to Brown Patch in high humidity; good salt tolerance.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized; often used for soil stabilization and erosion control; commonly blended with Kentucky Bluegrass for improved resilience.