Science · Turfgrasses
Kentucky Bluegrass
A dense, self-repairing grass that spreads by rhizomes — the classic northern lawn, park and sports-field turf.
Poa pratensis · Cool-season turfgrass
Profile
- Climate
- Northern US; USDA 3–7
- Sun
- Full sun
- Mowing height
- 1.5–3 in
- Spread
- Rhizomes; good recovery
- Dormancy
- Summer dormancy in drought
- pH
- 6.0–7.0
Water & soil targets
- Moisture (VWC)
- ~20–30%
- Salinity tolerance
- Poor to moderate
- Drought tolerance
- Moderate (dormancy)
Can go dormant and recover; frequent light irrigation keeps roots shallow.
Problems to watch
- Summer patch
- Necrotic ring spot
- Leaf spot
- White grubs
Stress signs
- Footprinting
- Straw-colored dormancy
- Frog-eye rings
Where you'll find it
- Sports fields
- Parks and campuses
- Northern fairways
More turfgrasses
All Science profilesGeneral agronomic guidance and typical ranges; actual targets vary by site, soil, climate and season.