Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis · Cool-season Performance, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common or 'Midnight' type variety
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2-7; excellent cold tolerance, poor heat tolerance in the deep South. Goes dormant and turns brown in extreme cold or heat.
About This Grass
A dark green, medium-textured turfgrass with a soft feel. It grows 12-24 inches if unmowed, exhibiting a lush, carpet-like density when maintained. Seed heads are open, airy panicles, pyramidal in shape.
Blade Characteristics
Narrow to medium (2-4mm), V-shaped or folded, featuring a distinct 'boat-shaped' tip. Color ranges from deep green to blue-green. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is short and membranous; auricles are absent.
Root System
Moderately shallow fibrous root system supplemented by strong rhizomes. High thatch tendency due to organic matter buildup; slow to moderate establishment speed but excellent sod strength.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, Northern Asia, and the mountains of Morocco and Algeria; widely adapted to temperate climates worldwide
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (spreading via underground stems), forming a dense, self-repairing sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred (6+ hours); moderate shade tolerance. High water requirements; enters summer dormancy during severe drought to survive. Prefers well-drained fertile soil with pH 6.0-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.0-3.5 inches. Requires frequent mowing and 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually. Needs periodic aeration and dethatching; maintenance level is Medium-High.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear recovery due to rhizomes. Susceptible to Leaf Spot, Dollar Spot, and Summer Patch. Moderate salt tolerance. High aesthetic value for residential lawns and sports fields.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides cover for small mammals and seeds for birds. Effective for soil stabilization in temperate climates. Often mixed with Perennial Ryegrass or Fine Fescue for diversity.