Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, Sports Turf
Variety / Cultivar
Common species (resembling Kentucky Bluegrass in seed head structure)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2-7; excellent cold tolerance; goes dormant in summer heat or winter cold; best in northern cool climates.
About This Grass
A dark green, medium-to-fine textured grass that forms a soft, lush carpet. It reaches 12-36 inches when unmowed. Seed heads are open, pyramidal panicles, often with branches in whorls of 3 to 5.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm); V-shaped or flat; boat-shaped tip (blunt and keel-like); dark green to blue-green color; folded vernation; short membranous ligule; no auricles.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous root system with extensive rhizomes; forms a thick thatch layer; slow to establish initially but excellent sod-forming ability and recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, North Asia, and the mountains of Morocco and Algeria; widely adapted to temperate climates worldwide.
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (spreading via underground stems), forming a dense, tight-knit sod.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred (at least 6 hours); moderate shade tolerance; high water requirements; dormant during severe drought with good recovery capability.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5-3.5 inches; frequent mowing needed during spring/fall peaks; requires 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year; high maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance due to rhizomes; high turf quality; susceptible to leaf spot, melting out, and necrotic ring spot; slow germination (21+ days).
Ecological Information
Introduced in North America; provides forage for livestock and wildlife; excellent soil stabilizer for erosion control; often blended with Perennial Ryegrass and Fine Fescue.