Also known as Birdgrass · Blue Grass · Çim
Smooth Meadow-grass (Poa pratensis) is a cool-season perennial grass, widely used for lawns, pastures, and erosion control due to its resilience and adaptability.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Thrives in full sun but can tolerate light to moderate shade. Optimal growth occurs with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during establishment and dry spells. Water deeply to encourage root growth.
Loam, Clay, Sand, Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
50% intensity
Cool Season Grass
50% intensity
Prefers cooler temperatures for active growth, typically between 15-25°C. It is cold-hardy but can go dormant in extreme heat.
Moderate
50% intensity
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring and fall. Follow recommended application rates to avoid over-fertilization and disease.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during establishment and dry periods. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot.
Deep watering encourages a stronger root system, making the grass more drought-tolerant once established.
Mowing is the primary form of pruning. Maintain a mowing height of 4-7. 5 cm for optimal health and density. Remove clippings to prevent thatch buildup.
Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade height at any one time.
Smooth Meadow-grass is primarily propagated vegetatively through its rhizomes and stolons, forming dense sod. It can also be propagated by seed. Sow seeds in spring or fall in well-prepared soil.
Ensure good seed-to-soil contact for germination.
Not applicable to Poa pratensis as it is a turfgrass grown outdoors, not typically in containers requiring repotting.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Smooth Meadow-Grass (Poa pratensis)
Where Smooth Meadow-Grass (Poa pratensis) is found
Density
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10 known issues from plant disease data
Dollar Spot on Turfgrasses causes small straw-colored spots that merge into larger pale patches, leaving thin, blighted turf.
Brown Patch in Turfgrasses causes broad brown circles with smoke-like edges, where leaves quickly blight and turf thins.
Pythium Blight on Turfgrasses causes greasy, water-soaked patches that collapse fast, leaving matted, blighted grass.
Leaf Spot on Turfgrasses causes small purple to brown lesions on blades, with yellowing and thinning as damage spreads.
Anthracnose in Turfgrasses causes yellow to orange patches and blackened leaf bases, with weak turf that thins fast.
Summer Patch in Turfgrasses causes sunken bronze rings or patches, with wilted blades and dead centers in hot weather.
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Poa |
| Species | Poa pratensis |
Similar in genus Poa
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
