Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common/Mixed Cultivar (e.g., 'Midnight' or 'Kenblue' types likely)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2-7; excellent cold tolerance; poor heat tolerance above Zone 8; winter dormant in extreme cold.
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing turf with a rich green to blue-green color. Features upright growth and a smooth landscape appearance when maintained.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm); V-shaped or flat; distinctive boat-shaped tip; dark green color; folded vernation; membranous ligule; no auricles.
Root System
Relatively shallow but dense fibrous roots with extensive rhizomes; moderate thatch tendency; slow to moderate establishment speed; high wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and Northern Asia; well-adapted to Northern US and Canada
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous; spreading underground via rhizomes to form a dense, knit sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Preferred Full Sun (min 6-8 hours); moderate to high water needs; moderate drought tolerance (enters dormancy); prefers 6.0-7.0 pH.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5-3.5 inches; frequent mowing; 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft/year; high maintenance level requiring aeration.
Special Characteristics
Excellent self-repairing capability due to rhizomes; good wear tolerance; susceptible to leaf spot and dollar spot; low shade tolerance.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides soil stabilization; high value for urban cooling; often blended with Perennial Ryegrass or Tall Fescue.