Poa annua
annual bluegrass, annual blue grass, walkgrass, speargrass, spear grass
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.