Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common Kentucky Bluegrass Type (Likely a standard lawn blend)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2-7; excellent cold tolerance; enters dormancy during extreme heat/drought and during winter freezes.
About This Grass
A dense, high-quality turf grass known for its dark green to blue-green color. When left unmowed, it reaches 12-24 inches with an open panicle seed head. It forms a soft, lush mat and is a staple for residential lawns.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), folded vernation in the bud. The most distinctive feature is the boat-shaped (V-shaped) leaf tip and a prominent central vein (midrib) that looks like a twin track. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are absent.
Root System
Moderately shallow fibrous root system with extensive horizontal rhizomes. Forms significant thatch over time; moderate establishment speed but excellent recovery from wear due to rhizome activity.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe, Northern Asia, and the mountains of Morocco; well-adapted to the Northern United States and Canada
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (spreading underground) and forms a dense, uniform sod; aggressive horizontal spread once established
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers Full Sun (6+ hours) but can tolerate light shade; high water requirement during summer heat; moderate drought tolerance through dormancy.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.0 to 3.5 inches; frequent mowing required during spring/fall peaks; high nitrogen needs (3-5 lbs N per 1,000 sq. ft. annually); medium to high maintenance.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and self-repairing ability; susceptible to leaf spot, dollar spot, and necrotic ring spot; superior winter hardiness and color compared to other cool-season grasses.
Ecological Information
Introduced to North America; provides soil stabilization via dense rhizome network; common component in mixtures with Perennial Ryegrass and Fine Fescue for biodiversity and resilience.