Contents
Description
Poa Annua, commonly known as annual bluegrass, is a cool-season grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to Europe, but it has spread throughout the world and is now considered invasive in many regions. Poa Annua is a low-growing grass that can reach a height of up to 6 inches. It has a bright green color and a fine texture that makes it an ideal choice for golf courses and sports fields.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Poa |
Appearance
Poa Annua has a bright green color with a fine texture. It has a shallow root system and forms dense mats that can smother other plants. The leaves are flat and narrow with boat-shaped tips. The seed heads are open and airy, with green or purplish spikelets that turn brown as they mature. The seeds are small and can be easily spread by wind, water, or human activity.
Care Guide
Poa Annua prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. It can tolerate full sun but may require more water in hot, dry conditions. Fertilize Poa Annua in the spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Poa Annua is hardy in zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Poa Annua is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including:
- White grubs
- Chinch bugs
- Armyworms
- Cutworms
- Fusarium patch
- Leaf spot
- Brown patch
To prevent pests and diseases, maintain good cultural practices like proper watering and fertilization. If necessary, treat with insecticides or fungicides.
Habitat
Poa Annua can grow in a variety of habitats, from lawns and golf courses to roadsides and waste areas. It prefers moist, well-drained soil but can tolerate drought and heat. Poa Annua is considered invasive in many regions, where it can displace native plants and disrupt ecosystems.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Poa Annua a good choice for a lawn?
A: Poa Annua can be a good choice for a lawn, but it is not suitable for high-traffic areas or regions with hot, dry summers.
Q: How can I control Poa Annua in my lawn?
A: Hand-pulling and regular mowing can help control Poa Annua. You can also treat with herbicides, but be sure to follow label instructions carefully.
Q: Can Poa Annua be grown from seed?
A: Yes, Poa Annua can be grown from seed. It germinates quickly and can establish a lawn in a short amount of time.
Q: Is Poa Annua toxic to pets?
A: Poa Annua is not toxic to pets, but it can cause stomach upset if ingested in large quantities.
Related Plants
- Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass)
- Poa trivialis (rough bluegrass)
- Festuca arundinacea (tall fescue)
- Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass)
References
- “Annual Bluegrass Control.” Penn State Extension, 2021, https://extension.psu.edu/annual-bluegrass-control.
- “Poa Annua.” University of California, Davis, 2021, https://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/WEEDS/poa_annua.html.
- “Poa Annua.” Missouri Botanical Garden, 2021, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d247.
