Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, Pooideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Unknown (likely a common residential blend like Midnight or Baron type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2-7; excellent cold tolerance; enters dormancy during summer heat/drought and winter freezes.
About This Grass
A dense, medium-textured turf grass that forms a smooth, high-quality lawn. It features an upright growth habit and a rich dark green to blue-green color.
Blade Characteristics
Medium width (2-4mm), V-shaped or flat, characteristic boat-shaped tip, folded vernation, short membranous ligule, and no auricles.
Root System
Moderately shallow fibrous roots with extensive rhizomes; forms high thatch; slow establishment from seed compared to ryegrass.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and Northern Asia; widely adapted to Northern US and Canada
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (spreading underground), forming a dense sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun (6+ hours); high water requirements; moderate drought tolerance via dormancy; prefers fertile, well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
1.5 to 3 inches height; high frequency; 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft yearly; benefit from annual aeration; high maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and recovery due to rhizomes; susceptible to leaf spot and dollar spot; moderate salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance.
Ecological Information
Introduced and naturalized; provide some erosion control; often blended with Perennial Ryegrass or Fine Fescue for genetic diversity.