tall fescue

noun

: a European fescue (Festuca arundinacea synonym Schedonorus arundinaceus) with erect smooth stems three to four feet (about one meter) high that has been introduced into North America

called also tall fescue grass

compare fescue foot

Examples of tall fescue in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The good news is there are low-water, lushly green native lawn alternatives to tall fescue, the most popular water-guzzling king of turf grasses. —Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2024

The best type of seed to use, based on germination time and compatibility to our climate and soil, are turf type tall fescues. —Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 9 Sep. 2023

Fortunately, this infection does not kill the crowns of tall fescue. —Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 3 Aug. 2023

For example, zoysia is best mowed at 1 to 1 ½ inches tall, while tall fescue should be mowed at 2 to 3 inches. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Country Living, 20 Apr. 2023

Common grasses, such as tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, are cool-season perennials that germinate and grow best while temperatures are below 80 degrees, says Phil Dwyer, research principal at Scotts Co., which makes products for lawns and gardens. —Anne Marie Chaker, WSJ, 27 Apr. 2021

Ramachandran tested the laundry water on tall fescue, a type of turfgrass, and an assortment of vegetables, comparing the effect of soap nuts with organic and conventional soaps and detergents. —Jeremy Deaton, Discover Magazine, 27 Jan. 2021

Keep in mind that the grasses with a higher fertility requirement will still need to be fertilized some (e.g., perennial ryegrass and tall fescue) to look their best. —oregonlive, 11 Feb. 2023

The Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann is, of course, famous for developing the psychedelic LSD from ergot, a fungi in the genus Claviceps that infects grasses like tall fescue. —Troy Farah, Discover Magazine, 16 Oct. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1762, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

tall fescue

noun

ˈtȯl- 

: a European fescue (Festuca arundinacea synonym Schedonorus arundinaceus) with erect smooth stems 3 to 4 feet (about 1 meter) high that has been introduced into North America

called also tall fescue grass

see fescue foot