Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common or Elite-type Bluegrass (e.g., 'Midnight', 'Mazama')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2-7; excellent cold tolerance; enters summer dormancy during extreme heat/drought.
About This Grass
A fine to medium-textured grass known for its dark green to blue-green color. Grows 12-24 inches if unmowed. Produces pyramidal panicle seed heads.
Blade Characteristics
Narrow (2-4mm) blades with a characteristic boat-shaped tip. Vernation is folded; ligule is short and membranous; no auricles present.
Root System
Moderately shallow fibrous roots with extensive rhizomes. High thatch tendency; excellent wear recovery via spreading rhizomes.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe, North Asia, North Africa; adapted to temperate climates worldwide
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (underground stems), forming a dense, self-repairing sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred (6+ hours); high water requirement, especially in summer. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Height: 2.0-3.5 inches; high maintenance; 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year; requires regular aeration and dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic tolerance and recovery. Moderate disease susceptibility (Leaf Spot, Summer Patch). High aesthetic quality.
Ecological Information
Introduced and naturalized in North America. Provides forage and cover for small birds and insects. Often blended with Perennial Ryegrass or Fine Fescue.