Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common or 'Midnight' type blend
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2-7; excellent cold tolerance, poor heat tolerance above Zone 7/8.
About This Grass
A medium-textured, deep green to blue-green grass with a lush, dense appearance. It grows moderately fast and produces a thick turf mat. Seed heads are open, airy panicles that appear in early summer if left unmowed.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), V-shaped or flat cross-section, distinctive boat-shaped (keeled) tip. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is short and membranous; auricles are absent.
Root System
Fibrous and rhizomatous. Features a moderate to deep root system for a cool-season grass, leading to high thatch-forming potential and excellent sod-building capabilities.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and Northern Asia; widely naturalized in North America and temperate climates globally.
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (spreading underground), forming a dense, durable sod over time.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred (requires 6+ hours), moderate shade tolerance. High water needs during peak heat; will go dormant during severe drought as a survival mechanism.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height of 2.5 to 3.5 inches. High maintenance level; requires 2-4 lbs of nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually, regular aeration, and dethatching every 2-3 years.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and recovery due to rhizomes; susceptible to leaf spot and dollar spot; moderate salt tolerance; outstanding winter hardiness.
Ecological Information
Introduced but widely naturalized; provides significant soil stabilization and erosion control; low wildlife food value but provides cover for small insects and urban fauna.