Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, widely used in transition zones
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 to 9, excellent heat and cold tolerance, highly suitable for the transition zone
About This Grass
Medium to coarse texture with a deep green color, upright growth habit, forming a dense turf with prominent leaf blades that tolerate high traffic when well-established
Blade Characteristics
Coarse to medium width (4-8mm), flat with prominent veins on the upper surface, pointed tips, rolled in the bud (vernation), with a short membranous ligule and no auricles
Root System
Deep fibrous root system reaching up to 2-3 feet deep, providing exceptional drought tolerance and moderate establishment speed
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, widely naturalized and cultivated across North America and temperate regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type with short, underground rhizomes forming a dense, clumped turf
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to moderate shade; high drought tolerance once deep roots are established; requires moderate watering
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow at 2.5 to 4 inches height, medium maintenance level, requires regular fertilization and occasional overseeding
Special Characteristics
High traffic tolerance, good disease resistance, moderate salt tolerance, excellent drought recovery and erosion control
Ecological Information
Introduced species with good wildlife habitat value, effective soil stabilization and water filtration properties, often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass