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 various improved cultivars like 'Midnight' or 'Baron'
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3-7, excellent cold tolerance, moderate heat tolerance, often combined in transition zones.
About This Grass
Forms a dense, high-quality turf with a fine to medium texture and a rich medium to dark green color. Height ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 inches when maintained, but can reach 18-24 inches if left unmowed. Produces open, pyramid-shaped panicle seed heads at maturity.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4 mm), V-shaped or folded in the bud with distinctive boat-shaped tips and prominent parallel veins. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are absent.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous root system combined with an aggressive network of underground rhizomes. Forms a strong, dense sod quickly, providing excellent wear recovery despite moderate initial establishment speed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and Northern Asia, widely naturalized and cultivated across North America and temperate regions worldwide
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous, spreading extensively via underground stems to form a dense, uniform turf mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 6-8 hours daily), moderate to high water needs for optimal appearance, moderate drought tolerance entering dormancy during severe dry spells, prefers well-drained fertile soils with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Maintain at 1.5 to 2.5 inches height, mowed frequently during active spring and fall growth periods. Requires a medium-high maintenance level including 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually, regular aeration, and occasional dethatching due to dense sod.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance and self-repairing capability via rhizomes, moderate shade tolerance compared to fine fescues, good disease resistance though susceptible to dollar spot and leaf spot under stress, excellent winter color retention in milder cool climates.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America, provides basic wildlife cover and soil stabilization, highly valued for preventing erosion, frequently blended with Perennial Ryegrass and Tall Fescue for lawn establishment.