Turffiles:Turfgrasses:Bluegrass, Kentucky

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Bluegrass, Kentucky

[Poa pratensis L.]

Kentucky bluegrass is the second most widely grown cool-season species in North Carolina because it has a dark green color, a medium to fine texture, and, due to its aggressive rhizome system, can recover from stresses. It prefers fertile, well-limed soils and full sun to moderate shade. Kentucky bluegrass is often mixed with other cool-season grasses like tall fescue to enhance the ability of the turfgrass stand to recover from stresses. Kentucky bluegrass is often confused with tall fescue and/or perennial ryegrass. However, Kentucky bluegrass has a boat-shaped leaf tip and distinctive light-colored lines on both sides of the midrib.

Characteristic	Description
Seedhead / Flower	seedhead is an open panicle. spikelets are flattened, with 3-5 seeds each.
Vernation Type	leaves folded in the bud
Ligule Type	membranous; very short, collar-like, 0.008 - 0.04 inches (0.2 - 1 mm) long
Growth Season / Life Cycle	cool season turf
Auricle Type	absent
Leaf Blade Tip Shape	boat shaped; usually V-shaped, sharply creased below; two distinct, clear lines, one on each side of the midrib
Leaf Blade Width	0.08 - 0.16 inches (2 - 4 mm) wide
Stolon Presence	absent
Rhizome Presence	present
Collar Type	slightly divided by midrib, may have fine hair on edge
Sheath Margin	closed, but splits with maturity
Sheath Type	flattened; not hairy


Kentucky bluegrass leaf tip	Kentucky bluegrass ligule

Note: Still not sure this is the right turfgrass? The Turf & Weed Identification Decision Aid may help. Check the TurfFiles glossary for definitions of unfamiliar terms.

Need help in selecting the best turfgrass for your particular situation? The Turf/Cultivar Selection Decision Aid will help you sort through the options which are available. For more information on turfgrass/cultivar selection, establishing a new lawn, caring for a new lawn, or renovating a lawn, see AG-69, Carolina Lawns.

Diseases Which May Affect This Turfgrass

brown patch
damping off
dollar spot
fairy ring
gray snow mold
leaf spot / melting out
Microdochium patch (pink snow mold)
powdery mildew
Pythium blight
Pythium root rot
red thread
rust
slime mold
summer patch
yellow patch
yellow tuft

© North Carolina State University. This information sheet was prepared by Arthur H. Bruneau, Bridget R. Lassiter, Gail G. Wilkerson, Emily J. Erickson, Casey Reynolds, Jenifer J. Reynolds, and Gregory S. Buol. Department of Crop Science, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, North Carolina State University. Prepared April 29, 2008. Available on-line at www.turffiles.ncsu.edu. This publication was made possible through a grant provided by the Center for Turfgrass Environmental Research & Education (CENTERE) whose purpose is to support worthwhile projects that will benefit both the private sector and the public, and protect the environment.

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