Woodland Bluegrass

(Poa sylvestris)

Woodland Bluegrass (Poa sylvestris)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Poa sylvestris, commonly known as Woodland Bluegrass, is an evergreen perennial grass native to moist, shaded woodlands and forest understories in the Eastern United States. It typically grows to a height of 0.5-2 feet (0.2-0.6 meters) and a width of 0.5-1 feet (0.2-0.3 meters). This grass is characterized by its fine-textured foliage and soft, blue-green color. It is not particularly showy, but it forms a dense, low-growing turf that can be quite attractive in the right setting.

Woodland Bluegrass is valued for its ability to thrive in shaded conditions where many other grasses struggle. It is often used for ground cover in woodland gardens, naturalized areas, and as a filler in shaded borders. It requires consistently moist soil and does not tolerate drought well. While it prefers full shade, it can also tolerate partial shade. It is not commonly affected by diseases or pests, but it can suffer in overly dry or sunny conditions. This grass is not known for being invasive and is a good choice for gardeners looking to maintain a natural aesthetic in shaded parts of their landscape.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 0.5-2 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Shade
  • Water: High
  • Drainage: Slow, Wet

Common Uses

Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Moist, shaded woodlands and forest understories

Other Names

Common Names: North American Woodland Bluegrass, Forest Bluegrass, Pâturin Des Forêts

Scientific Names: , Poa sylvestris,

GBIF Accepted Name: Poa sylvestris A.Gray