Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common or Mixed Cultivar
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2-7; excellent cold tolerance; poor heat tolerance; enters winter and summer dormancy
About This Grass
A dark green, medium-textured grass that forms a high-quality, dense turf. It reaches 12-24 inches if unmowed and features a narrow, pyramid-shaped panicle seed head.
Blade Characteristics
2-4mm width, V-shaped or flat, features a distinct boat-shaped tip and two translucent 'railroad track' lines down the center; folded vernation, short membranous ligule, no auricles
Root System
Moderate depth with extensive rhizomes; forms thick thatch, has secondary establishment speed, excellent sod-forming capability
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe, North Asia, and Morocco; well-adapted to Northern US and Canada
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (spreading via underground stems), forms a dense sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred (6+ hours), high water requirement, goes dormant during extreme drought, thrives in well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.0
Mowing & Maintenance
1.5 to 3.5 inches height; frequent mowing; 2-5 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually; high maintenance level
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance due to rhizomes; excellent recuperative ability; susceptible to leaf spot and dollar spot; low shade tolerance
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides cover for small mammals; soil stabilizer for temperate regions; often blended with Perennial Ryegrass or Fine Fescue