Smooth Meadow-grass
Poa pratensis
Also listed as Paneion pratense
Also known as Kentucky Bluegrass, Smooth Stalked Meadow Grass, Common Meadow-grass
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Poa pratensis is a cool-season perennial grass commonly used in lawns and pastures, valued for its fine texture and ability to spread via rhizomes. It tolerates foot traffic, recovers quickly from damage, and performs well in moderate climates.
Why grow it
Poa pratensis outperforms many lawn grasses in its ability to self-repair through rhizomatous spread, making it a practical choice where foot traffic is regular or damage is expected. Compared to bunch-type grasses, it establishes a denser sward that competes effectively against weeds without requiring frequent reseeding. It tolerates a wide range of soil pH and moisture conditions typical of temperate regions, though it requires consistent moisture during establishment.
Watch out for
In dry climates or during extended drought, Poa pratensis may decline or go dormant earlier than desired, requiring supplemental irrigation to maintain quality. In warm-season regions, it can struggle during hot summers and may thin significantly, making it less reliable outside its optimal cool-season range. Mowing frequency and height affect its vigor; very short mowing or infrequent cutting can stress the stand over time.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Poaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa
Native to: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Poa pratensis is a cool-season perennial grass commonly used in lawns and pastures, valued for its fine texture and ability to spread via rhizomes. It tolerates foot traffic, recovers quickly from damage, and performs well in moderate climates.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Smooth Meadow-grass grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Poa pratensis outperforms many lawn grasses in its ability to self-repair through rhizomatous spread, making it a practical choice where foot traffic is regular or damage is expected. Compared to bunch-type grasses, it establishes a denser sward that competes effectively against weeds without requiring frequent reseeding. It tolerates a wide range of soil pH and moisture conditions typical of temperate regions, though it requires consistent moisture during establishment.
Watch out for
In dry climates or during extended drought, Poa pratensis may decline or go dormant earlier than desired, requiring supplemental irrigation to maintain quality. In warm-season regions, it can struggle during hot summers and may thin significantly, making it less reliable outside its optimal cool-season range. Mowing frequency and height affect its vigor; very short mowing or infrequent cutting can stress the stand over time.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Poaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa
Native to: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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