Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Likely a common lawn-grade cultivar based on density and color
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2-7; excellent cold tolerance, goes dormant and turns brown in extreme summer heat or severe winter cold.
About This Grass
A dense, cool-season turfgrass with a high quality of uniform growth. It features a rich dark green color (dormant/tan in winter) and produces panicle seed heads in late spring if left unmowed.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), folded vernation, boat-shaped leaf tips, smooth texture with a distinct central vein on the underside, and no auricles.
Root System
Moderately shallow fibrous root system supported by aggressive rhizomes; forms thick thatch and dense sod; has moderate establishment speed but excellent recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe, Northern Asia, and North Africa; widely naturalized in North America and temperate climates
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (spreading underground) forming a dense, sod-forming mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred (6+ hours), low shade tolerance, high water requirements to maintain green color during summer heat, moderate drought tolerance via dormancy.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 1.5 to 3.0 inches, frequent mowing required, 3-5 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft per year, requires periodic dethatching and aeration (Medium-High maintenance).
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic recovery due to rhizomes, susceptible to leaf spot and dollar spot, poor salt tolerance, highly prized for soft texture and aesthetic appeal.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America, provides significant erosion control due to sod density, food source for various moth larvae (crambus), often blended with Perennial Ryegrass or Fine Fescue.