bluegrass

Any of many slender annual and perennial lawn, pasture, and forage grasses of the genus Poa, in the family Poaceae. About 250 species are found in temperate and cool climates, with more than 50 in the U.S. Most have small spikelets lacking bristles and arranged in open clusters. The narrow leaf blades have boat-shaped tips. With its blue-green leaves, Kentucky bluegrass (P. pratensis), the best-known U.S. species, is a popular lawn and pasture grass in the northern states and is common in open areas and along roadsides. Texas bluegrass (P. arachnifera), mutton grass (P. fendleriana), and plains bluegrass (P. arida) are important western forage grasses. Annual bluegrass (P. annua), a small, light green species, is considered a pest in lawns.

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