Fescue

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) is a deep-rooted, long-lived, sod-forming grass that spreads by short underground stems called rhizomes. In Pennsylvania it has primarily been used for conservation purposes but is well suited as hay, silage, or pasture for beef cattle and sheep. It is well adapted to the soil and weather conditions of Pennsylvania. It is especially adapted to acid, wet soils of shale origin and will produce more forage on soils with pH less than 5.5 than other cool-season grasses. Tall fescue is drought resistant and will maintain itself under rather limited fertility conditions. Tall fescue is also ideal for waterways, ditch and pond banks, and farm lots and lanes. It is the best grass in areas of heavy livestock and machinery traffic.