Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF), likely a blend of modern improved cultivars
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; excellent heat tolerance for a cool-season grass; stays green through most of winter in the transition zone.
About This Grass
A dense, bunching grass with a deep green color. Primarily upright growth, reaching 2-4 feet if left unmowed, with panicle seed heads appearing in late spring.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse to medium-coarse blades (3-8mm wide), prominent vertical ribs on the upper surface, pointed tips, rolled vernation, and short membranous ligules with small, non-clasping auricles.
Root System
Extremely deep fibrous root system (up to 2-3 feet), low thatch tendency, slow to moderate establishment speed from seed, forms a tough sod through sheer density but does not creep notably.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; widely adapted to the Transition Zone of the United States
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with limited short rhizomes in improved cultivars
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to moderate shade (4-6 hours minimum); high drought tolerance once established due to deep roots; prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 3.0-4.0 inches; requires weekly mowing in peak season; fertilization 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year; medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Highest wear tolerance of cool-season grasses; excellent drought/heat resistance; susceptible to Brown Patch (Rhizoctonia) in high humidity.
Ecological Information
Introduced species; provides good soil stabilization; low wildlife food value but provides cover; can be invasive in native prairie ecosystems.