Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common or 'Aggie' type (likely a standard residential blend)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2-7; excellent cold tolerance; poor heat tolerance (struggles in the deep South); enters winter dormancy in freezing temperatures.
About This Grass
A dense, smooth-textured turf grass that turns dark green in prime growing seasons and goes dormant/brown in high heat. Features panicle-type seed heads if left unmowed.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm); V-shaped or flat; distinctive boat-shaped (keeled) tip; dark green to blue-green color; vernation is folded in the bud; ligules are short and membranous; auricles are absent.
Root System
Relatively shallow fibrous root system supplemented by strong rhizomes; moderate thatch builder; slow to establish from seed but excellent recovery via rhizome expansion.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, Northern Asia, and the mountains of Morocco and Algeria; best adapted to cool, humid climates
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (spreading underground); forms a dense, tight-knit sod mat via lateral underground stems
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred (at least 6 hours); moderate to high water needs; poor drought tolerance compared to fescues (goes dormant quickly under water stress); prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.0-3.5 inches; frequent mowing needed in spring/fall; 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually; requires occasional dethatching and core aeration; high maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and recovery due to rhizomes; susceptible to leaf spot and dollar spot; moderate salt tolerance; low shade tolerance; high aesthetic value for home lawns.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides soil stabilization via dense sod; cover for small insects; often blended with Perennial Ryegrass or Fine Fescue for genetic diversity.