Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common or standard lawn cultivars bred for disease resistance and density
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 7. Excellent cold tolerance, but can go dormant during severe summer heat and drought.
About This Grass
Forms a lush, dense, fine-to-medium-textured turf with an attractive medium to dark green color. When unmowed, it can reach heights of 18 to 24 inches, producing open panicle seed heads. Maintained lawns usually stand between 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-narrow (2-4mm), flat to folded, with distinctive boat-shaped tips. Vernation is folded in the bud. Color ranges from medium green to dark blue-green. Ligules are short and membranous; auricles are absent.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous root system combined with aggressive underground rhizomes. Tends to form a moderate thatch layer over time. Establishes slowly from seed, but creates a very tough, dense sod once mature.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, northern Asia, and parts of the mountains of North America; widely cultivated throughout northern and temperate regions of the world.
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous, spreading extensively via underground stems to form a dense, uniform turf mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours daily) for best performance, though some cultivars have moderate shade tolerance. High water needs during hot, dry periods to prevent summer dormancy. Prefers well-draining, fertile soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.0 to 3.5 inches. Requires regular mowing, moderate to high fertilization (3-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually), regular watering, and periodic dethatching and aeration. High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance and self-repairing capability via rhizomes. Good winter color retention in cooler climates. Moderate resistance to common turf diseases, though susceptible to patch diseases and rust under high stress.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control due to its dense root and rhizome network. Often blended with Perennial Ryegrass and Fine Fescues for home lawns.