Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis · Perennial, Cool-season (C3)
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass (fairways/tees)
Variety / Cultivar
Common or Proprietary (e.g., 'Midnight' or 'Kenblue'); characterized by dark green color and high density in modern cultivars.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2-7; excellent cold tolerance; poor performance in tropical or extremely hot, humid climates.
About This Grass
A medium-textured, cool-season grass known for its lush, dark green color and boat-shaped leaf tips. It forms a dense, uniform carpet and enters dormancy during extreme heat/drought.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is medium (2-4mm); V-shaped or flat; distinctive boat-shaped (keeled) tip; two clear veins (tramlines) down the center; vernation is folded; ligule is short and membranous; auricles are absent.
Root System
Moderately shallow fibrous system with extensive rhizomes; forms a heavy thatch layer; slow to establish from seed but creates strong sod.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, North Asia, and the mountains of Morocco and Algeria; widely adapted to temperate regions of North America.
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (spreading underground); forms a thick, dense sod with high regenerative capacity.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Preferred Full Sun (requires 6+ hours); moderate shade tolerance; high water needs (1-1.5 inches per week); enters dormancy to survive drought.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5 to 3.5 inches; high maintenance; requires 2-5 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually; regular aeration and dethatching needed.
Special Characteristics
Excellent foot traffic/wear tolerance via rhizome recovery; susceptible to summer patch, necrotic ring spot, and dollar spot; high aesthetic value.
Ecological Information
Introduced and naturalized in North America; provides forage for livestock and seeds for birds; can be moderately invasive in natural meadows; often blended with Perennial Ryegrass or Tall Fescue.