Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass; highly adapted to northern climates and the transition zone
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Golf Course Fairways/Roughs
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky Bluegrass common or generic (possibly a blend such as 'Midnight' or 'Baron' given the dark green color and density)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2-7; excellent cold tolerance (hardiest of the cool-season grasses); enters winter dormancy following hard frosts.
About This Grass
A dense, high-quality turf with a rich dark green to blue-green color. It has a vertical growth habit and produces a lush, uniform appearance when properly maintained. Seed heads are open panicles with a pyramid shape.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm); V-shaped or flat blades with a distinct 'boat-shaped' tip; dark green color with a smooth texture; vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is short and membranous; auricles are absent.
Root System
Relatively shallow fibrous root system compared to fescue, but supplemented by aggressive rhizomes. High thatch-forming tendency; slow to moderate establishment from seed but forms a very durable sod.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, North Asia, and Northern Africa; widely naturalized across North America
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous; forms a thick, dense sod by spreading underground stems that fill in bare spots
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun preferred (6+ hours); moderate shade tolerance; high water requirements (1 inch per week). It can go dormant during extreme summer drought to survive.
Mowing & Maintenance
2.0 to 3.5 inches; weekly mowing; requires 2-4 lbs of Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually; high maintenance level needing periodic aeration and dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Excellent self-repairing ability through rhizomes; high wear tolerance for foot traffic; prone to leaf spot and powdery mildew in shade; provides the classic 'carpet' look.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized; provide cover for small wildlife and insects; excellent at preventing soil erosion via dense rhizome mats; often blended with Perennial Ryegrass or Tall Fescue for disease resistance.