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Description
Poa Trivialis, commonly known as rough bluegrass, is a cool-season perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia, but it has been widely naturalized in North America. Rough bluegrass can grow up to 15 inches tall, and its leaves are flat, narrow, and light green in color. The grass produces small greenish flowers in the spring, which turn into seed heads in the summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Cyperales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Poa |
| Species | Poa Trivialis |
Appearance
Rough bluegrass has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other grasses. Its leaves are flat, narrow, and light green in color, and they have a glossy sheen. The grass produces small greenish flowers in the spring that turn into seed heads in the summer. Rough bluegrass can grow up to 15 inches tall, and it spreads by both seed and rhizomes.
Care Guide
To keep your rough bluegrass healthy and looking its best, it is important to follow a few care guidelines. Here are some tips for watering, fertilizing, soil, sunlight, and hardiness zones:- Water: Rough bluegrass needs to be watered deeply and infrequently. It prefers moist soil, but it can tolerate some drought.- Fertilization: Rough bluegrass should be fertilized in the spring and fall using a balanced fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing during the hot summer months.- Soil: Rough bluegrass prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but it does not do well in heavy clay or compacted soil.- Sunlight: Rough bluegrass prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Rough bluegrass is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Rough bluegrass is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:- Dollar Spot: A fungal disease that causes small brown spots on the leaves.- Red Thread: A fungal disease that causes red or pink threads to grow on the leaves.- White Grubs: Larvae of beetles that feed on the roots of the grass.- Cutworms: Caterpillars that feed on the leaves and stems of the grass.To prevent these pests and diseases, it is important to keep your rough bluegrass healthy by following the care guidelines outlined above.
Habitat
Rough bluegrass is native to Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia, but it can be found in many other parts of the world, including North America. It prefers cool, moist environments and can be found in a variety of habitats, including lawns, golf courses, and pastures. Rough bluegrass is often used in turfgrass mixes because of its unique appearance and ability to grow in a variety of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: Is rough bluegrass a good choice for a lawn?
A: Rough bluegrass can be a good choice for a lawn, but it requires more maintenance than other grasses. It is also less heat tolerant than other grasses, so it may not do well in hot climates.
Q: How can I prevent pests and diseases in my rough bluegrass?
A: To prevent pests and diseases, it is important to keep your rough bluegrass healthy by following the care guidelines outlined above. You should also remove any dead or diseased grass and avoid overwatering.
Q: Can rough bluegrass grow in shade?
A: Rough bluegrass can tolerate some shade, but it prefers full sun.
Q: How often should I fertilize my rough bluegrass?
A: Rough bluegrass should be fertilized in the spring and fall using a balanced fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing during the hot summer months.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to rough bluegrass:- Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis)- Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua)- Creeping Bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera)- Red Fescue (Festuca rubra)
References
– “Poa Trivialis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 22, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c362.- “Poa Trivialis.” University of Wisconsin-Madison. Accessed September 22, 2021. https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/rough-bluegrass-poa-trivialis/.- “Rough Bluegrass (Poa Trivialis).” Lawnstarter. Accessed September 22, 2021. https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/grass-lawn-care/rough-bluegrass-poa-trivialis/.
