Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common blend, suited for general lawns
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 7, excellent cold tolerance, moderate heat tolerance, performs well in northern regions and the upper transition zone
About This Grass
Forms a lush, dense, dark green to medium green turf with medium texture; grows 1.5 to 2.5 feet tall if unmowed, maintaining a low carpet-like appearance when regularly mowed; produces open, pyramid-shaped panicle seed heads at maturity
Blade Characteristics
Medium width (2-4mm), flat to folded with distinct parallel veins, distinctive boat-shaped tips, folded vernation in the bud, membranous ligule with no auricles
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous root system combined with vigorous rhizomes, moderate establishment speed from seed, forms a tough, tight sod with high wear recovery
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and Northern Asia; widely naturalized and cultivated across North America and temperate regions worldwide
Growth Habit
Aggressively rhizomatous, forming a dense, uniform sod with underground runners
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 6 hours daily), moderate to high water needs, moderate drought tolerance entering summer dormancy during severe dry spells, prefers well-drained fertile loam with pH 6.0-7.0
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height between 2.0 and 3.5 inches, frequent mowing during active spring and fall growth, high fertilization needs (3-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year), regular dethatching and aeration required, high maintenance level
Special Characteristics
High traffic and wear tolerance due to aggressive rhizomes, good self-repairing capability, moderate shade tolerance compared to fine fescues, susceptible to summer patch and leaf spot under high humidity and stress
Ecological Information
Introduced to North America by European settlers, excellent soil stabilization and erosion control, provides limited wildlife foraging, frequently blended with perennial ryegrass and fine fescues