Like all of the cool season turfgrasses, tall fescue was introduced into the United States from Europe during the Colonial Period.

In thin stands, individual plants develop a rather broad crown through abundant tillering. Occasionally, plants develop a few short, thick rhizomes. Tall fescue is coarse textured, shade tolerant and moderately drought resistant.

Tall fescue is adapted to a wide range of soil and climatic conditions. Although it can be grown in the southern region, it is best adapted to the transition and temperate zones of the United States.

It performs well under low maintenance conditions. Adventure, Falcon, Houndog, Olympic and Rebel are some of the varieties suited for turf use. All varieties are established from seed.