Turf-type Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea
Poaceae · grass grasslike · introduced
Data Maturity Structured Multiple sources. Expert review underway.
Watch for this season
European Crane FlyHigh
Winter-Spring Larval Feeding (Peak Damage)
Excellent choice for clay soils in the Kent Valley and Green River floodplain. Deep root system handles periodic wet-dry cycles. Seed at 6-8 lb/1000 sqft. Best as monostand – texture contrast makes it a poor companion for fine-bladed grasses. Increasing in popularity as summers become warmer and drier.
Quick Facts
Height
12-36 in (unmowed); mow to 1.5-2 in (western WA)
Spread
Bunch-type; does not spread by rhizomes. Must be seeded thickly for dense turf.
Growth Rate
Moderate
Light
Sun to Part Shade
Soil
Adaptable
Water
Moderate
Hardiness
Zone Zones 3a–9a
Origin
Europe
Phenological Calendar
| Stage | Typical Window |
|---|---|
| Spring green-up BBCH 09 | Feb 15-Mar 15 |
| Active vegetative growth BBCH 21 | Mar 15-Apr 15 |
| Peak spring growth BBCH 39 | Apr 15-Jun 15 |
| Summer performance BBCH 45 | Jun 15-Sep 1 |
| Winter semi-dormancy BBCH 97 | Nov 15-Feb 15 |