Kentucky Bluegrass (with Heal-all infestation)
Poa pratensis · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common or proprietary turf-type (unidentified)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3-7; excellent cold tolerance; poor performance in the deep South/Zone 8+.
About This Grass
A medium-textured, dark green turfgrass that forms a thick carpet. It enters dormancy during high heat and drought, turning brown to protect the crown. The image shows it intermixed with broadleaf weeds (Prunella vulgaris).
Blade Characteristics
Blades are 2-4mm wide with parallel sides and a distinctive boat-shaped (V-shaped) tip. Vernation is folded in the bud; no auricles; short membranous ligule.
Root System
Relatively shallow but dense fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes that allow for self-repair and high sod strength.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe, North Asia, and North Africa; naturalized throughout North America
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (underground spreading) forming a dense sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred (6+ hours); moderate to high water needs; low drought tolerance but high drought dormancy recovery.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5-3.5 inches. Requires moderate to high fertility (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft/year) and regular irrigation.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and recovery due to rhizomes; susceptible to leaf spot, melting out, and necrotic ring spot.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized; provides high soil stabilization; the broadleaf companion shown (Heal-all) provides significant pollinator value.