plains bluegrass

plant

Also known as: Poa arida

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Last updated

June 17, 2026

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Plains bluegrass, scientifically known as Poa arida, is a type of forage grass native to the prairie regions of North America. It belongs to the genus Poa, which is the largest genus in the grass family, Poaceae, and includes over 500 species found worldwide in temperate and tropical climates.12

Bluegrasses are characterized by slender annual or perennial plants with narrow leaf blades that have blunt or boat-shaped tips and a membranous ligule. Their flowers are typically small spikelets arranged in open clusters. Plains bluegrass, along with Texas bluegrass and mutton grass, are significant forage grasses in western North America. While Kentucky bluegrass is not a native prairie species, it can be found in various prairie subtypes.23

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bluegrass
fendleriana), and plains bluegrass (P. arida) are important western forage grasses. Annual bluegrass (P. annua), a small, light-green species, is a European introduction that has spread throughout North America; it is considered a pest in lawns.
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fendleriana), and plains bluegrass (P. arida) are important western forage grasses. Annual bluegrass (P. annua), a small, light-green species, is a European introduction that has spread throughout North America; it is considered a pest in lawns.
Read More