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) cultivar group
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7; stays green into late fall and recovers quickly from winter dormancy. High heat tolerance for a cool-season grass.
About This Grass
A hardy, coarse-textured grass with a deep green color. Provides a dense turf when seeded heavily; forms prominent clumps if the stand thins. Seed heads are open panicles produced in late spring.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blade width (5-10mm), prominently ridged on the upper surface, smooth beneath. Tips are pointed (not boat-shaped). Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is short, membranous, and auricles are small or absent (short-pubescent).
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (often 2-3 feet deep), which provides exceptional drought tolerance for a cool-season grass. Low thatch-former with moderate establishment speed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; naturalized throughout North America, particularly the Transition Zone
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); occasionally produces very short rhizomes but lacks significant spreading ability
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade (requires at least 4-6 hours of sun). Moderate water needs; high drought tolerance once established. Prefers well-drained soils with pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 3.0-4.0 inches; mow frequently to prevent clumping. Fertilize 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft annually. Requires periodic overseeding since it does not spread via runners. Medium maintenance.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and traffic resistance. Good resistance to leaf spot and brown patch (depending on cultivar). High salt tolerance and the best shade tolerance among common cool-season lawn grasses.
Ecological Information
Introduced species; useful for soil stabilization on slopes/banks due to deep roots. Provides low wildlife nesting value but serves as forage in agricultural settings. Often mixed with Kentucky Bluegrass for self-repairing capabilities.