Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Standard elite-type (resembles varieties like 'Midnight' or 'Mazama')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 2-7; excellent cold tolerance; poor heat tolerance in the Deep South; goes dormant (turns brown) in extreme cold or drought.
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing turf with a rich, dark-green to blue-green color. It provides a smooth, uniform surface with a fine-to-medium texture and is prized for its soft feel and lush appearance.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm); V-shaped or flat; distinctive boat-shaped (keeled) leaf tips; dark green color; folded vernation; ligule is short and membranous; auricles are absent.
Root System
Relatively shallow fibrous root system with extensive horizontal rhizomes; forms a dense, durable sod; moderate establishment speed from seed; high thatch potential due to rhizomatic growth.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, North Asia, and the mountains of Morocco and Algeria; best adapted to cool, humid climates.
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (spreading underground), forming a thick, dense mat-like sod with an aggressive spreading rate.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun (minimum 6-8 hours); moderate shade tolerance; high water requirements; enters summer dormancy during severe drought to survive; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.0-3.5 inches; frequent mowing required; high fertility needs (3-5 lbs N per 1,000 sq ft annually); benefits significantly from core aeration and dethatching; High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and recovery due to rhizomes; susceptible to leaf spot, melting out, and necrotic ring spot; moderate salt tolerance; high ability to crowd out weeds when healthy.
Ecological Information
Introduced and naturalized in North America; provides forage for various wildlife and insects; excellent for soil erosion control due to sod-forming nature; often mixed with Perennial Ryegrass or Fine Fescues for durability.