Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis · Cool-season perennial, C3 pathway
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Likely a common-type or blend such as 'Midnight' or 'Kenblue' based on residential farm usage
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2-7; excellent cold tolerance; goes dormant and turns brown during extreme heat or drought; recovers quickly in autumn.
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing turf grass with a dark blue-green color. It maintains a soft texture and uniform appearance when mowed, forming a thick carpet-like coverage that fills in bare spots via rhizomes.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), V-shaped or flat, featuring a distinct boat-shaped tip. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is short and membranous; auricles are absent.
Root System
Moderately shallow fibrous roots with extensive rhizomes. Forms significant thatch over time; moderate establishment speed but excellent long-term sod density.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and Northern Asia; widely adapted to temperate climates in North America and Europe
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (spreading via underground stems), forming a dense, self-repairing sod mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred (6+ hours); moderate shade tolerance. High water requirements; requires supplemental irrigation during summer droughts to avoid dormancy.
Mowing & Maintenance
2.0 to 3.5 inches height; frequent mowing; requires 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually; high maintenance due to dethatching and irrigation needs.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and recovery; high aesthetic quality; susceptible to leaf spot and dollar spot; primary choice for northern athletic fields and home lawns.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America; provides soil stabilization via dense rhizome network; good for filtration; often mixed with Fine Fescue or Perennial Ryegrass for diverse environments.