Fescue grass, a common presence in both residential lawns and agricultural pastures, represents a large group of species within the Festuca genus. Identifying fescue requires looking closely at its physical structure, as its appearance can vary widely depending on the specific variety. This cool-season grass is popular for its hardiness, leading to its widespread use in the transition zone where summers are hot and winters are cold. To determine if fescue is growing in your turf, examine the specific characteristics of its leaves, root structure, and overall growth pattern.
General Appearance and Blade Structure
Fescue blades generally present a coarse or rigid texture, with colors ranging from a dark emerald green to a noticeable bluish-green tint. Turf-type tall fescue blades are broad compared to many other cool-season grasses, while fine fescue blades are exceptionally narrow, often described as needle-like. The upper side (adaxial surface) is characterized by distinctly ridged veins that run parallel along the blade. These prominent veins are evenly spaced, and the tall fescue blade does not have a single, prominent midrib running down its center. The leaf tip is typically pointed, and on tall fescue, the edges may feel slightly serrated or rough to the touch.
Growth Habits and Root Systems
Fescue grasses primarily utilize one of two distinct methods for turf establishment. The most common growth habit is the bunch-type, where new shoots, called tillers, emerge vertically only from the crown of the parent plant. This mechanism leads to the grass growing in distinct clumps or tufts that expand outward slowly without connecting underground runners. Other varieties, particularly certain fine fescues, employ a creeping habit by producing short, horizontal underground stems known as rhizomes. The rhizomes allow the plant to spread laterally and fill in bare spots. Many fescues, especially tall fescue cultivars, are noted for their deep root systems, which can extend two to three feet down into the soil. This extensive rooting contributes significantly to the grass’s drought and heat tolerance.
Key Differences Between Major Fescue Varieties
Fescue largely refers to two main groups: Tall Fescue and Fine Fescue. Tall Fescue, which includes modern turf-type varieties, is characterized by its relatively wide, coarse blades and a dark green color. Its primary growth habit is bunching, meaning it forms dense, individual clumps that can appear patchy if not overseeded regularly. Tall Fescue is highly valued for its durability and deep roots, making it extremely tolerant of foot traffic and drought conditions. Fine Fescues encompass several species, including Creeping Red, Chewings, and Hard fescues, all defined by their very slender, almost hair-like leaf blades. These varieties often display a lighter green or blue-green color and are known for their superior performance in shaded areas. Creeping Red Fescue utilizes short rhizomes for spreading, while Chewings and Hard fescues are bunch-type, contributing to a softer, denser turf texture than their tall fescue counterparts.
Distinguishing Fescue Versus Common Lawn Grasses
Fescue can be visually separated from other widely planted cool-season grasses. When compared to Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue blades are noticeably thicker and lack the prominent midrib that is typical of Bluegrass. Kentucky Bluegrass also spreads aggressively through extensive rhizomes, a feature that is limited or entirely absent in most common fescue varieties. Perennial Ryegrass, another common component in cool-season turf mixes, often presents a brighter, lime-green color, which contrasts with the deeper green or bluish-green hue of Tall Fescue. Fescue blades also possess the unique ridged veins on the upper surface. While Ryegrass often has a smooth, shiny appearance on the backside of the blade, fescue’s generally coarser texture and non-reflective surface help distinguish it in the lawn.