Tall Fescue
Schedonorus arundinaceus (formerly Festuca arundinacea) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass, highly well-adapted to the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture, Sports Turf, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Turf-type tall fescue varieties (e.g., 'Rebel', 'Titan', 'Biltmore')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. Excellent adaptation to the transition zone where other cool-season grasses struggle with summer heat.
About This Grass
Forms upright, dense tufts or clumps of medium to coarse texture with a rich medium-to-dark green color. Unmowed height reaches 2 to 4 feet with open seed heads, while maintained turf is kept between 2 and 4 inches. Shows good heat and drought tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-to-wide (4-8 mm), flat with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface, and rough margins. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Tips are pointed. Ligule is a very short membrane, and auricles are small, blunt, and sometimes reddish or claw-like.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system going down several feet, providing exceptional drought resistance and moderate traffic tolerance. Establishes relatively quickly from seed compared to Kentucky bluegrass.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and parts of North Africa and Asia; widely naturalized and cultivated across North America, particularly in the transition zone and cooler regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) growth habit with short, sometimes inconspicuous rhizomes; forms a moderately dense turf but lacks aggressive spreading stolons
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to partial shade (more shade tolerant than Kentucky bluegrass). Requires moderate watering for lush growth once established, but exhibits high drought tolerance due to deep roots.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches. Mow frequently during active spring and fall growth. Fertilization needs are moderate (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). Maintenance level is medium.
Special Characteristics
High wear and traffic tolerance, good resistance to many common turf diseases, excellent deep-root drought tolerance, and good shade adaptability. Does not go dormant as easily in summer heat as Kentucky bluegrass.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for pasture and turf. Provides good erosion control due to deep root mass. Often blended with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass in turf applications.