Meadow Bluegrass

Poa trivialis (POH-ah tri-vee-ALL-is)

Family: Poaceae Non-native Groundcover (<1 ft)

Rough bluegrass is a cool season, perennial turfgrass in the grass family (Poaceae) that is native to Eurasia. The genus name is derived from the Greek word poa , a pasture grass. The species epithet, trivialis , means "ordinary." Rough bluegrass is often considered a weed in lawns and golf courses and is listed as an invasive species in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Alaska. It spreads by creeping stolons, has shallow roots to form a loose sod, and does not tolerate foot traffic, heat, or drought very well. However, with all those negatives, it is useful as a turfgrass for moist and shady areas that are difficult to cover or as an addition to mixtures applied on meadows and pastures. It is also sometimes used to overseed bermudagrass greens on golf courses since it tolerates mowing heights below 3/16 inch. Rough bluegrass does best in moist, well-drained soil in partial shade. It prefers cool climates and does not tolerate hot summers or drought. It can become an aggressive spreader in full sun and will crowd out other grasses. If grown as a turfgrass, it should be maintained at a mowed height of 1 1/2 to 2 inches in spring and fall and slightly higher in summer. Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. Susceptible to brown patch, rust, stripe smut, fusarium patch and typhula blight. Powdery mildew, also called grass mildew, can be a problem.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 46 attributes.