Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Likely a common turf-type blend such as ‘Midnight’ or ‘Baron’
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2-7; excellent cold tolerance but enters dormancy (browns) during hot, dry summer months without irrigation.
About This Grass
A medium-textured, high-density turf grass with a distinct dark green to blue-green color. It exhibits upright growth and produces small, panicle-type seed heads if left unmowed. It becomes dormant in extreme heat or drought.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is medium (2-4mm). The most identifying feature is the boat-shaped (V-shaped) tip. Blades are smooth, folded in the bud (vernation), with a prominent midrib and a short, membranous ligule. Auricles are absent.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous root system supported by extensive rhizomes. Its rhizomatous nature allows for excellent sod strength, high thatch tendency, and self-repairing capabilities.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, North Asia, and North Africa; widely naturalized across North America
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (spreading via underground stems), forming a dense, sod-forming mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred (6+ hours); moderate shade tolerance. High water requirements (1-1.5 inches per week) to maintain green color during summer; low to moderate drought tolerance.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height 2.0-3.5 inches; high maintenance level. Requires 3-5 lbs of Nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft annually and benefit from regular core aeration to manage thatch.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance and recovery due to rhizomes. Susceptible to necrotic ring spot, summer patch, and leaf spot. High aesthetic value for residential lawns and sports fields.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides soil stabilization and prevents erosion through dense sod. Often blended with Perennial Ryegrass or Fine Fescue for improved resilience.