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 (e.g., Midnight or Baron type) based on dark color and density
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2-7; excellent cold tolerance; poor heat tolerance in deep south; goes dormant in winter/extreme summer heat.
About This Grass
A dense, smooth, and uniform turf grass. It exhibits a distinct dark green to blue-green color. It forms a lush carpet when maintained at 2-3 inches, featuring fine to medium texture.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width: 2-4mm (medium); Shape: V-shaped or flat; Tip: Distinctive boat-shaped (keeled) leaf tip; Vernation: Folded in the bud; Ligule: Very short, membranous; Auricles: Absent; Color: Deep blue-green.
Root System
Fibrous and rhizomatous; moderate depth; high thatch-forming tendency; slow to moderate establishment speed but excellent recuperative potential due to rhizomes.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, North Asia, and Northern Africa; well-adapted to Northern US and Canada
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous; spreads through underground stems to form a dense, uniform sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun (minimum 6 hours); moderate shade tolerance; high water needs during summer; becomes dormant during extreme drought but survives via rhizomes.
Mowing & Maintenance
Height: 2.0-3.0 inches; frequency: weekly during peak growth; Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year; high maintenance requirement including periodic dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and recovery; susceptible to summer patch, necrotic ring spot, and dollar spot; excellent sod-forming ability for erosion control.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized (non-native to Americas); provides pasture for livestock and cover for small mammals; commonly blended with Perennial Ryegrass or Fine Fescue for diversity.