Poa - Kentucky Bluegrass, Rough-Stalked Meadow Grass, Wood Meadow Grass

(Po'a)

DESCRIPTION: This large group of Grasses is native to most of the temperate regions, including North America, the Himalayas, Europe and Siberia. Some are used to grow in pots and some are grown into lawns. The Wood Meadow Grass, P. nemoralis, the Rough-stalked Meadow Grass, P. trivialis, and the Kentucky Bluegrass, P. pratensis, are all used as lawn grasses. The Kentucky Bluegrass, however, is one of the most popular lawn grasses in our landscape. This grass can grow up to 2½ feet high and it has a shallow root system, therefore needing plenty of water. The flowers of this grass are borne in branched bunches of 3 to 5 along the stem. They are green turning tan and are produced mostly in the spring. P. trivialis var. albo-vittata forms thick clumps up to 6 inches in height. The leaves are green and white.

POTTING: These grasses need well-drained soil and a sunny location. When they are grown in containers, they should be planted in two parts loam or good garden soil and one part leaf mold, with a bit of sand added.

PROPAGATION: They may be divided in the spring or fall.

VARIETIES: P. pratensis; P. trivialis & var. albo-vittata; P. nemoralis.

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