Poa annua
annual bluegrass, annual blue grass, walkgrass, speargrass, spear grass
Photo credit: Larry Allain, U.S. Geological Survey
Photo credit: Larry Allain, U.S. Geological Survey
Photo credit: Larry Allain, U.S. Geological Survey
Photo credit: Larry Allain, U.S. Geological Survey
Family
Poaceae
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Attachment
sheathing
Leaf Type
simple
Leaf Shape
linear
Growth Form
graminoid
Flower Color
inconspicuous
Flower Month
January - October
Height (meters)
0.0 - 0.3
Milky Sap
No
Armed/Unarmed
Unarmed
Origin
introduced
Lifespan
annual
Growing Season
Cool season
Wetland Class
FAC
Prairie Coefficient of Conservatism
-1
Cultural Information
Seeds germinate over a wide range of temperatures, from 7-35 degrees C (Lauer 1953). Commercial seed has a purity of 80%, a germination rate of 80%, an average of 1,196,000 seeds/lb, and should be planted at a rate of 15-25 lbs/acre (USDA 1948).
Animal Use
Palatable but low forage producer with a relatively short growth period; poor wildlife value.
Natural History
Poa annua is a frequent winter grass that grows in disturbed areas throughout Louisiana and Texas. It is a native of Europe, naturalized throughout the United States.
Habitat
Crevices of sidewalks and flagstone patios, flower beds, lawns and rich woods, along roads, ditches, and moist soils.