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, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF); variety unknown, likely a modern blend optimized for finer texture.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; highly tolerant of heat and cold; susceptible to summer dormancy in extreme heat/drought; avoids winter dormancy in warmer transition zones.
About This Grass
A dense, bunching grass with a deep green color and medium-coarse texture. Remains green throughout most of the year in temperate climates. Seed heads are panicles, though rarely seen in maintained lawns.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width 4-8mm (medium-coarse); flat shape with a pointed tip; dark green; rolled vernation in the bud; prominent veins on the upper surface; short, membranous ligule; auricles absent or small/blunt.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (up to 2-3 feet deep); excellent stability; low thatch tendency; moderate establishment speed from seed; superior drought tolerance due to depth.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; widely adapted to the Transition Zone and temperate regions of North America.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); very limited rhizomatous activity in some modern cultivars. Low spreading rate.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; requires 4-6 hours of sun; moderate water needs; excellent drought tolerance for a cool-season grass; prefers soil pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 3.0-4.0 inches; weekly mowing; 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually; annual aeration and overseeding required to maintain density; Medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance; excellent shade tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses; resistant to many common pests; high salt tolerance; effective for erosion control.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized; provides cover for small wildlife; excellent soil stabilizer; often blended with 5-10% Kentucky Bluegrass to help fill in bare spots.