Tall Fescue

Growth Season:  Cool

Type:  Introduced

Growth Habit:  Bunch

Height: 2′-3′

Seedhead Color:  Tan

Seeds per PLS lb.:  227,000

Adapted to:  All Soils

Notes: This cool season grass is adapted to moist deep soils, tolerates moderate soil salinity, but is not tolerant of extended drought.  It is not adapted in Nebraska except in the higher rainfall areas of the eastern part of the state or under irrigation.  Where moisture is continuous for growth, it has produced more forage than tall wheatgrass.  Tall fesue is ready for grazing in the spring, somewhat later than tall wheatgrass.  Tall fescue is more resistant to grazing, but it is much less salt tolerant than tall wheatgrass.  Cattle and sheep make fair to good use of this grass when seeded in pure stands.  It becomes coarse and low in palatability if left ungrazed or lightly grazed and allowed to mature.

Varieties Available:  Fawn, Ky31, Cajun II (Endophyte free)