Kentucky bluegrass and Hybrid bluegrass

Latin Name: Poa pratensis L. and Poa arachnifera Torr. x Poa pratensis L.

Growth Habit: Rhizomatous

Vernation: Folded

Leaf: Smooth on both surfaces; two light lines adjacent to midvein; boat-shaped tip

Ligule: Short, membranous, truncate

Auricles: Absent

Inflorescence: Panicle

Description: Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-season, fine-textured turfgrass that spreads by rhizomes. It typically has fine leaf texture and dark color which make it an appealing alternative to Tall fescue in the northern parts of Texas where cool-season turfgrasses can sometimes persist as perennials. It is often planted in conjunction with Tall fescue or as a component of many cool-season seed mixtures that contain Tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, and/or annual ryegrass. These mixtures are most successful when planted in shaded areas where warm-season species may struggle, particularly in the northern parts of Texas. However, like all cool-season grasses its lack of heat and drought tolerance do not make it a widely planted turfgrass in Texas.

Strengths: Rhizomatous growth habit, shade tolerance, cold tolerance, and tolerates low mowing heights

Weaknesses: Poor heat and drought tolerance, disease incidence

Recommended Mowing Height: Home Lawns: 2 to 3.5 inches; Golf courses: 1.5 to 2.5 inches

Recommended Mowing Frequency: Home Lawns: Weekly using a rotary mower; Golf Courses: 2-3 times per week

Fertilization Requirements: 2 to 3 lbs N per 1,000 ft² per year. Single application rates should range from 0.5 to 1 lb of N per 1,000 ft² applied during the spring and fall growing season.