Family: Poaceae
Kentucky bluegrass
Robert W. Freckmann
Robert W. Freckmann
University of Wisconsin - Madison (WIS-VP)
Etymology: Poa: ancient Greek name for "grass" or "fodder"
Plants: erect, perennial, 12"-18" tall grass
Plants: erect, perennial, 12"-18" tall grass
Fields and pastures, roadsides, along railroads, along streams and rivers, cliffs, lakeshores and beaches, clay banks, dumps, prairies, clearcuts, marshes, fens, sedge meadows, old quarries and gravel pits, weedy landscaping, dunes, pine barrens, oak barrens, bracken grassland, rock outcrops, invading forests of all kinds.
Although the ubiquity and common name of this species would lead one to believe it is native, this is introduced from Europe. Kentucky bluegrass is used widely for lawns and pastures. Based on sheer acreage covered, this species and corn are surely our most common grasses.
Although the ubiquity and common name of this species would lead one to believe it is native, this is introduced from Europe. Kentucky bluegrass is used widely for lawns and pastures. Based on sheer acreage covered, this species and corn are surely our most common grasses.
Floristic Rating: Wetland Indicator = FAC- Invasive And Exotic Species of North America: Descriptions, management issues, warnings, photos, etc. WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin invasive species including decription, habitats, control methods USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Grasses of Iowa: Detailed photographs, descriptions, maps Canada Agriculture and Agri-Food
Alberta Government: "The identification of certain native and naturalized grasses by their vegetative characters", S.E. Clarke, J.A. Campbell and W. Shevkenek. 1950.
(Publication no. 762 ; Technical bulletin no. 50). Drawings, descriptions. USGS - Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center: Wetland Plants and Plant Communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key.
Alberta Government: "The identification of certain native and naturalized grasses by their vegetative characters", S.E. Clarke, J.A. Campbell and W. Shevkenek. 1950.
(Publication no. 762 ; Technical bulletin no. 50). Drawings, descriptions. USGS - Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center: Wetland Plants and Plant Communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key.
Robert W. Freckmann
Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson
Botanical Illustration
Botanical Illustration
