Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Standard blend/Unknown cultivar
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 7, excellent cold tolerance and moderate heat tolerance.
About This Grass
Forms a fine to medium-textured, high-density turf with rich green to blue-green color. Mowed height is typically 2-3 inches, while unmowed it can reach 18-24 inches with pyramidal panicle seed heads.
Blade Characteristics
Medium width (2-4mm), flat with prominent parallel veins forming a tram-line effect, boat-shaped tip, folded vernation in the bud, membranous ligule, and absent auricles.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous root system with extensive aggressive rhizomes, forming a strong, dense sod. Moderate establishment speed with medium thatch-forming tendency.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and northern Asia, widely naturalized and cultivated across North America
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous, spreading underground to form a dense sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) but has moderate shade tolerance. High watering needs during dry spells; goes dormant in severe drought and recovers well.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height of 2.0 to 3.0 inches. Medium to high maintenance level, requiring regular fertilization (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually) and periodic aeration.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance and self-repairing capability via rhizomes. Good cold hardiness and winter color retention in milder climates.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America, provides excellent soil stabilization and erosion control, frequently used in cool-season lawn seed mixes with fescues and ryegrass.