Species Canada bluegrass

Canada bluegrass

Poa compressa

Canada bluegrass (Poa compressa) is a well-known cool season grass. It is a dense tufted, perennial bunch grass and is a valuable forage species for many uses. It is native to North America and widely occurs in poorly drained areas and in disturbed soils. Its blue-green leaves are narrow and rolled with a pointed tip. It usually produces seed in early summer, and can easily be grown from seed. It is most common in lawns, pastures, and agricultural fields. Its palatability is relatively low compared to other grass species, but may still be used for graze or browsed. Canada bluegrass provides food and cover for both large and small wildlife species.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Stolon,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

3

Flowers:

Showy, Purple, Dark-red, Green Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Acidic

Fruits:

blue,brown Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water Canada bluegrass plants 2-3 times per week during the growing season. Make sure to water the soil deeply so that the water reaches the roots. During the summer months, water deeply to avoid wilting and to encourage deep root growth. Water in the morning so that the foliage can dry quickly, reducing the chance for disease. In the winter months, water less frequently since the plant is dormant and does not require as much moisture. Apply deep, slow waterings over a long period of time to ensure that the ground is saturated. Make sure to check the soil moisture level with your finger prior to watering to avoid over-watering.

sunlight

Canada bluegrass (Poa compressa) prefers full sun (at least 8 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal growth and development. During the winter months, however, partial shade can be beneficial. In the summer months, ensure that the plant gets at least 8 hours of direct sunlight. If possible, ensure that the sunlight is some of the most intense or direct light that it can get for the healthiest growth and development.

pruning

Canada bluegrass (Poa compressa) should be pruned once a year in the spring, right before or soon after the first signs of growth. First, the plant should be cut back to about a third of its height. Be careful not to remove more than the top 2 inches of the plant or remove more than a third of its total height. Dead and broken stems should be pruned back to the ground. New shoots should be allowed to grow to their full height, with only the more established shoots requiring pruning. For a more manicured look, the tips of the plant should be trimmed to an even height. This not only maintains a uniform silhouette, but it will also encourage the growth of new leaves and stems. When pruning Canada bluegrass, careful attention should be paid to the amount of foliage removed. Too much pruning can weaken the plant and reduce its health, while too little can lead to an overgrown, unkempt look. Pruning should be done in the spring to encourage growth and reduce unruly growth.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Poa compressa typically starts flowering in May.

Harvest Fruit

Poa compressa is a cool-season grass, so it is typically harvested in the spring months of April, May, and June.

Harvest Fruit

Poa compressa is a cool-season grass, so it is typically harvested in the spring months of April, May, and June.

Hardiness Map