Kentucky bluegrass

plant

Also known as: Poa pratensis

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) is a well-known species within the Poa genus, which is the largest genus in the grass family Poaceae. This perennial grass, native to Eurasia, has naturalized in North America and is widely recognized for its use in lawns and pastures.12

Key characteristics of Kentucky bluegrass include its soft, blue-green leaves and its ability to form a dense sod through its creeping rootstalks. It typically grows to a height of 30 to 100 cm (12 to 40 inches). The name "Bluegrass region" refers to an area in central Kentucky, famous for its abundant bluegrass and renowned for horse breeding, attributed to the mineral-rich soil that benefits both the grass and the horses.13

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

bluegrass
…species found in North America, Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) is among the best-known. It was introduced from Eurasia. It is a popular lawn and pasture grass and is common in open areas and along roadsides. It is 30 to 100 cm (12 to 40 inches) tall, with soft, blue-green leaves;…
Read More
…species found in North America, Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) is among the best-known. It was introduced from Eurasia. It is a popular lawn and pasture grass and is common in open areas and along roadsides. It is 30 to 100 cm (12 to 40 inches) tall, with soft, blue-green leaves;…
Read More