Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 landscape grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Likely a Midnight-type or blend based on the dark green color and dense texture
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 2-7; excellent cold tolerance; poor heat tolerance in southern climates; goes dormant (turns brown) in winter or extreme summer heat.
About This Grass
A dense, high-quality turf with a boat-shaped leaf tip and distinctive V-shape. Deep blue-green to emerald green color with a medium to fine texture. Forms a uniform, carpet-like surface when maintained.
Blade Characteristics
Width: 2-4mm (medium); Shape: V-shaped or flat; Tip: Boat-shaped (keeled); Color: Dark blue-green; Vernation: Folded; Ligule: Short, membranous, truncate; Auricles: Absent; Collar: Divided by prominent mid-rib.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous root system with extensive rhizomes; high thatch-forming tendency; excellent sod strength but slower recovery from seed compared to ryegrass.
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 via underground stems), forming a dense, thick sod; moderate to slow rate of establishment from seed
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun preferred (6+ hours); moderate shade tolerance; high water requirements (1-1.5 inches per week); enters dormancy during extreme drought or heat to survive.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height: 1.5-3.0 inches; Frequency: Weekly; Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year; Requires periodic core aeration and dethatching; High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and self-repairing ability due to rhizomes; good ability to crowd out weeds in dense stands; susceptible to summer patch, necrotic ring spot, and leaf spot.
Ecological Information
Introduced and naturalized in North America; provides forage for various wildlife and stabilizing cover for soil; often blended with Perennial Ryegrass or Fine Fescue for improved resilience.