Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Likely a common turf-type blend (e.g., Midnight, Baron, or similar); showing high density and medium-fine texture characteristic of modern sod-forming cultivars.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 2-7; excellent cold tolerance; enters summer dormancy during hot, dry periods and winter dormancy in freezing temperatures.
About This Grass
A dark green, luxurious turf grass with a soft texture. It forms a thick, carpet-like lawn. When unmowed, it reaches 12-24 inches with open, pyramidal panicle seed heads. In lawn use, it maintains a rich color and uniform appearance.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is fine to medium (2-3mm); distinct boat-shaped tip (folded at the point); folded in the bud (folded vernation); lacks auricles; ligule is short and membranous (0.1mm-0.5mm); blades often show two clear 'tram lines' or translucent lines parallel to the midrib.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous root system with extensive rhizomes. Forms significant thatch over time. Slow to establish from seed (21+ days) but creates a durable, high-density sod once mature.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, Northern Asia, and North Africa; widely naturalized across North America and well-adapted to temperate/cool climates.
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (spreading via underground stems), forming a dense, self-repairing sod mat with a high shoot density.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred (requires 6-8 hours); poor to moderate shade tolerance; high water requirements especially in summer heat; prefers well-drained fertile soils with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.0-3.5 inches; weekly mowing; requires 3-5 lbs of Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually; high maintenance level requiring regular aeration and dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and recovery due to rhizomes; susceptible to leaf spot, melting out, and necrotic ring spot; high aesthetic value for home lawns and sports fields.
Ecological Information
Introduced in North America; provides forage for various grazing animals and seed food for birds; excellent soil stabilizer for erosion control on slopes; frequently blended with Perennial Ryegrass or Fine Fescue for improved diversity.