Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common-type (potential 'Midnight' or 'Baron' lineage)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2-7; excellent cold tolerance; poor performance in deep southeastern heat; goes dormant in winter/extreme summer heat.
About This Grass
A medium-textured, dark-green perennial grass that forms a dense, high-quality turf. It reaches 6-12 inches unmowed, producing an open, pyramidal-shaped panicle seed head.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), V-shaped or flat, distinguished by a boat-shaped tip and twin 'track' lines on the midrib; folded vernation; membranous ligule; no auricles.
Root System
Moderately shallow fibrous system supported by extensive rhizomes; forms thick thatch; slow establishment (up to 21 days for germination) but excellent sod strength.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa; widely adapted to temperate climates globally
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (spreading underground via rhizomes), forming a dense sod and mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred (minimum 6 hours); moderate shade tolerance; high water needs (1-1.5 inches per week); enters dormancy during extreme drought and heat.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5-3.5 inches; high maintenance; requires 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually; periodic dethatching and aeration necessary.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and recovery due to rhizomes; good disease resistance in newer cultivars; poor salt tolerance; high ability to crowd out weeds when dense.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America; provides forage for livestock and wildlife; stabilizes soil efficiently; commonly blended with Tall Fescue or Perennial Ryegrass.