Science · Turfgrasses
Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua)
Found on many greens, intentionally or not; it puts a beautiful surface but is shallow-rooted and fragile in heat.
Poa annua · Cool-season turfgrass
Profile
- Climate
- Cool and coastal climates
- Sun
- Full sun to partial shade
- Mowing height
- 0.1–0.5 in
- Rooting
- Very shallow
- Seedheads
- Heavy spring seedheads
- pH
- 5.5–7.0
Water & soil targets
- Moisture (VWC)
- ~18–26%
- Salinity tolerance
- Poor
- Drought tolerance
- Poor
Sudden heat combined with low moisture can kill it within hours.
Problems to watch
- Anthracnose
- Annual bluegrass weevil
- Winter ice damage
- Summer decline
Stress signs
- Rapid wilting
- Yellowing in heat
- Thinning after seedhead flush
Where you'll find it
- Golf greens (especially coastal)
More turfgrasses
All Science profilesGeneral agronomic guidance and typical ranges; actual targets vary by site, soil, climate and season.