Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 carbon fixation
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Representative of a Mid-Atlantic or Midwest Common Type / Blend
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2-7; excellent cold tolerance but struggles in extreme heat of southern climates.
About This Grass
A dense, medium-textured turf grass that forms a carpet-like mat. Exhibits a rich dark green color during spring and fall. Grows 12-24 inches if unmowed with a panicle-shaped seed head.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is medium (2-4mm). Features a distinctive boat-shaped (keeled) tip and a folded vernation. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are absent.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous root system supported by vigorous rhizomes. High thatch-forming tendency; slow establishment from seed but creates high-density sod.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and Northern Asia; widely adapted to temperate climates of North America
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (spreading via underground stems), forming a dense, self-repairing sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires Full Sun (6+ hours) for best density; moderate shade tolerance. High water needs, requiring 1 inch per week; goes dormant during severe drought.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.0 to 3.5 inches. High maintenance level; requires 3-5 lbs of Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually and benefit from core aeration.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and recovery due to rhizomes. Susceptible to summer patch, necrotic ring spot, and dollar spot in humid conditions.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized status in US. Provides soil stabilization and high water filtration. Commonly blended with Perennial Ryegrass and Fine Fescue for genetic diversity.