Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis · Cool-season (C3), Perennial
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common or 'Aggie' type (mixed variety suspected)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2-7; excellent cold tolerance; enters dormancy during extreme heat or drought; best in northern climates.
About This Grass
A dense, sod-forming grass that remains lush and green. Soft, medium texture with a moderately slow growth rate. Seed heads are pyramidal panicles, though often removed by mowing.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm); flat to slightly folded; distinctive boat-shaped tip; dark green to blue-green color; vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is short and membranous; auricles are absent.
Root System
Relatively shallow to moderate fibrous root system supported by an extensive network of underground rhizomes; high thatch tendency; moderate establishment speed; forms thick sod.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe, Northern Asia, and North Africa; now naturalized throughout Northern United States and Canada
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (spreading underground) and mat-forming
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred (6+ hours); moderate shade tolerance; requires regular watering during dry spells; high moisture requirement for optimal growth.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5–3.5 inches; weekly frequency; 3-5 lbs N/1000 sq ft per year; high maintenance including regular aeration and thatch management.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance and self-repairing ability via rhizomes; excellent winter color; sensitive to Dollar Spot and necrotic ring spot; moderate salt tolerance.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized; provide cover for small mammals; excellent soil stabilizer; often blended with Perennial Ryegrass or Fine Fescues for genetic diversity.