Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis · Cool-season (C3), Perennial
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Likely a common turf-type variety or blend, characterized by dense tillering and medium-fine texture
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2-7; excellent cold tolerance; enters winter dormancy; struggles in high heat/humidity of the deep South
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing grass with a distinct dark green to blue-green color. It has a fine-to-medium texture and is known for forming a thick mat. When unmowed, it can reach 12-24 inches with an open, airy panicle seed head.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width: 2-4mm (medium); Shape: Flat or slightly folded; Tip shape: Distinguishable boat-shaped (keeled) tip; Color: Dark green to blue-green; Vernation: Folded in the bud; Ligule: Short and membranous; Auricles: Absent; Collar: Narrow
Root System
Moderately shallow fibrous roots combined with extensive horizontal rhizomes; forms thick thatch; relatively slow to establish but highly durable once mature
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, North Asia, and the mountains of Morocco and Algeria; widely naturalized in North America and temperate climates worldwide
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (spreading via underground stems) and clump-forming through tillering, creates a dense, self-repairing sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred (minimum 6 hours); moderate-to-high water needs; goes dormant during severe drought to protect crown; thrives in well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.5
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.0-3.5 inches; high maintenance; requires 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually; needs periodic dethatching and core aeration
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and recovery due to rhizomes; susceptible to leaf spot, melting out, and necrotic ring spot; high aesthetic value for home lawns and sports fields
Ecological Information
Introduced and naturalized in North America; provides forage for various insects and small mammals; excellent for soil stabilization and erosion control due to dense rhizome network