Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis · Cool-season (C3), Perennial
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Likely a common turf-type variety such as 'Midnight' or 'Kenblue' based on its deep green color and density.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 2 to 7. Excellent cold tolerance; goes dormant and turns brown during freezing winters or extreme heat.
About This Grass
Medium-textured turf with a distinctive dark green to blue-green color. Forms a tight carpet. Seed heads are open, airy panicles shaped like a pyramid.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width 2-4mm (medium); V-shaped or flat; boat-shaped leaf tips. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is very short and membranous; auricles are absent.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous roots with extensive rhizomes. Forms heavy thatch; excellent sod-forming capability and moderate wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, Northern Asia, and the mountains of North Africa; widely naturalized in North America.
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (spreading via underground stems), forming a dense, thick sod.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun (minimum 6 hours) but can tolerate light shade. Requires moderate to high watering; enters summer dormancy during severe drought.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.0 to 3.5 inches. High maintenance: requires regular fertilization (3-5 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year) and periodic dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Excellent self-repair via rhizomes; moderate wear tolerance; highly susceptible to leaf spot and dollar spot if overwatered.
Ecological Information
Introduced and naturalized; provides cover for small mammals and food for various lepidoptera larvae. Often mixed with Perennial Ryegrass or Fine Fescue for diversity.