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
Likely a modern turf-type blend (e.g., Midnight or Baron)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2-7; Excellent cold tolerance; struggles in the high heat and humidity of the deep South (Zone 8+). Enters dormancy during winter freezes and summer droughts.
About This Grass
A high-quality turf grass with a rich emerald to blue-green color. It forms a dense, carpet-like mat that is soft to the touch. Unmowed, it reaches 12-24 inches with open, airy panicle seed heads. Seasonally, it may go dormant (brown) during heat or extreme drought.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm); V-shaped or flat; featuring a distinct boat-shaped tip. Color is typically dark green or blue-green. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are absent. Smooth blades with a prominent mid-vein.
Root System
Fibrous and rhizomatous; roots are moderately deep but concentrated in the top 6-8 inches of soil. Strong rhizome development leads to high thatch-forming tendency but excellent sod strength and recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, Northern Asia, and Morocco; widely adapted to temperate climates globally.
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (spreading via underground stems), creating a dense, self-repairing sod.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun (minimum 6 hours) but some cultivars handle light shade. High water needs compared to fescues; requires consistent moisture to stay green during summer. Prefers Well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height: 2.0 to 3.5 inches. Mowing frequency: Weekly. Requires moderate to high fertilization (3-5 lbs Nitrogen/1000 sq ft/year). Regular aeration and occasional dethatching are necessary due to rhizome spread.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance and recovery due to rhizomes. Susceptible to leaf spot, dollar spot, and necrotic ring spot in humid conditions. High aesthetic value for home lawns and sports fields. Moderate salt tolerance.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization on slopes. Low wildlife food value but provides cover for small insects. Often blended with Perennial Ryegrass or Fine Fescue for improved biodiversity and resilience.