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 (Fairways and Tees)
Variety / Cultivar
Likely a common turf-type or high-density variety like 'Midnight' or 'Prism' based on the dark green color and dense growth habit.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 2-7; excellent cold tolerance; enters winter dormancy; struggles in the high heat of Southern US zones (8-10) without irrigation.
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing grass with a rich emerald to dark-green color. It provides a smooth, uniform appearance and is highly soft to the touch.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm); V-shaped or flat; distinctive boat-shaped (prow-shaped) tip; folded vernation; short membranous ligule; no auricles; smooth texture with a prominent central vein.
Root System
Moderately shallow fibrous root system with extensive rhizomes; known for high thatch production; slow establishment from seed but forms a very durable sod.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, North Asia, and the mountains of Morocco and Algeria; widely adapted to temperate climates of North America.
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (spreading via underground stems), forming a thick, uniform, and tight sod.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers Full Sun (6+ hours); moderate shade tolerance in some cultivars; high water requirements; dormant during hot, dry periods as a survival mechanism; prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (6.0-7.0 pH).
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.0-3.5 inches; maintenance is high; requires 2-5 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually; needs regular aeration/dethatching due to rhizome density.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic recovery due to rhizomes; high self-repairing ability; moderate resistance to leaf spot; poor salt tolerance; recognized for superior winter hardiness.
Ecological Information
Introduced and naturalized in North America; provides forage for various grazing animals and nesting sites for birds; used frequently in blends with Tall Fescue or Perennial Ryegrass to increase durability.