Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common or unknown cultivar; shows standard mid-green characteristics and pyramid-shaped panicles
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3-7. Excellent cold tolerance; struggles in high heat of the deep South; goes dormant/brown in extreme winter cold and summer heat.
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing turf grass with a rich green to blue-green color. It features a medium-fine texture and reaches 12-18 inches when unmowed, producing pyramid-shaped open panicle seed heads.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is medium (2-4mm) with distinct boat-shaped tips. Parallel veins visible with a prominent center midrib. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is short and membranous; auricles are absent.
Root System
Relatively shallow to moderate fibrous root system supported by extensive rhizomes. Forms heavy thatch if over-fertilized; establishment is slower than ryegrass but results in a tight sod.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, North Asia, and the mountains of Algeria and Morocco; widely adapted in northern US, Canada, and temperate global regions
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (underground spreading); forms a dense, knit sod with high self-repair capacity
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers Full Sun (6+ hours) but has moderate shade tolerance. High water requirements; enters summer dormancy if water is scarce; prefers well-drained loamy soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Recommended mowing height: 2.0-3.5 inches. Requires frequent mowing and 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. Medium-to-high maintenance with needs for periodic dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and recovery due to rhizomes. Susceptible to leaf spot, melting out, and necrotic ring spot. Highly valued for aesthetic beauty and ability to crowd out weeds in optimal conditions.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides limited food for grazing wildlife and some nesting cover. Excellent for soil stabilization on slopes due to its dense rhizomatous mat.