Poa pratensis

From RoguesGallery

Legend for Species Pages

[edit] Kentucky Bluegrass

• ANPC Rank –
• Moss, Flora of Alberta – Circumpolar
• Global Invasive Species Database – No
• NatureServe Rank – Medium
• Haber, Upland – Minor
• Haber, Wetland – No
• CWF, Status & Invasive Range – Potentially of national concern, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NF, NB, NS, YT
• Alberta Revegetation Guidelines – Invasive agronomic: in prairies ~ foothills
• The Nature Conservancy – Yes, w/ ESA
• CBCN – Potential
• AB Weed – No

[edit] Remarks

There are both alien and native taxa that belong to this species, and they are difficult to distinguish by appearance. Forms dense turf that tends to exclude other plants (Dandelions notwithstanding). A favorite of cattle who will crop it short, leaving nearby alternatives untouched, despite which it will expand, especially in spring and fall. How and whether to attempt control is unclear, but new planting in or near natural areas should be avoided, as it will spread. Native foothills pastures if used heavily over a number of years seem to evolve toward dominance by Bluegrass & Dandelion.

[1] Link to USDA Plants Profile for Poa pratensis L.

[2] Link to USDA Plants Characteristics for Poa pratensis L.

[3] Link to NatureServe I-Rank info for Poa pratensis

from Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest