Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common lawn variety (likely a blend including cultivars like 'Midnight' or 'Baron')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 2-7; excellent cold tolerance; enters dormancy during extreme summer heat or winter cold.
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing turf with a rich emerald to dark-green color. It features a soft, fine-to-medium texture and is known for its horizontal spreading via underground rhizomes.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is medium (2-4mm), folded in the bud (folded vernation), with a distinct boat-shaped tip. The upper surface is smooth with a prominent center vein (midrib); ligule is short and membranous; auricles are absent.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous root system with extensive underground rhizomes; prone to moderate thatch buildup; slow establishment from seed but forms a very tight sod.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, Northern Asia, and the mountains of Morocco and Algeria; well-adapted to temperate climates worldwide.
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (spreading underground), forming a dense and uniform sod.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred (at least 6 hours); moderate shade tolerance; requires regular watering (1 inch per week); moderate drought tolerance through dormancy.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.0-3.5 inches; frequent mowing required during peak spring/fall growth; requires 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually; medium-high maintenance.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and recovery due to rhizomes; high barefoot appeal; susceptible to leaf spot and dollar spot; good salt tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides soil stabilization and carbon sequestration; seeds provide food for songbirds; commonly blended with Perennial Ryegrass or Fine Fescue.