Edge/ Kentucky Bluegrass

COMMON NAME: Kentucky Bluegrass

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): June Grass, Speargrass

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Poa pratensis

FAMILY: Poaceae

COMMUNITY: Edge

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: to 40 inches

FLOWERING TIME: Mid May to Late July, sometimes to September

FRUITING TIME: Mid May to Late July, sometimes to September

DISTRIBUTION: Throughout the United States ~ Statewide in New Jersey as an escaped weed

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Rhizomatous, forming dense sod ~ Blades narrow, soft, spreading branches ~ Spiklets to 5 inches long, hairy

Consider the often quoted rhyme when identifying grasses: “Sedges have edges, Rushes are round, Grasses have joints from their tips to the ground.”

GENERAL INFORMATION: There are about 75 species of Bluegrass in the United States and about 200 worldwide.  The most well known is Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis).  Kentucky Bluegrass is widely distributed in the United States except in arid regions but it grows particularly well in limestone soils and  therefore is especially characteristic of Kentucky. Kentucky Bluegrass is a hay and pasture grass as well as a lawn grass. Many varieties are used as lawn grass.  It is valuable for wildlife, especially for seed-eating birds.  Several species of songbirds and rodents eat the seeds and the leaves are grazed by small mammals (rabbits, for example) and by big game.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.