KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS poa prensis
Kentucky bluegrass is a sod forming, long lived perennial grass.  Kentucky Bluegrass reproduces by seeds and rhizomes and can grow to a height of 1 to 2 feet depending on conditions.  Produces narrow leaves (1/8 inch) that grow lengths of 4-8 inches in length.  Kentucky Bluegrass was introduced into the United States by early colonists. 

Origin: Europe
Description: Perennial
Primary Adaption: Bluegrass is NOT tolerant of drought and high temperatures.
Uses: Pasture, limited use for hay.
Planting Rate: 10-15 lbs an acre August-September or February-March
Fertilization: Needs to be well fertilized.  May be grown with a legume.
Seasonal Production: April-October
Management: Grazing to  a height of 1 to 2 inch. increases productivity and maintains a denser sod. Bluegrass pastures are more productive when clover is a companion crop grown with it.
Pests: Grubs, bluegrass bluebug, sod webworms, chinch bugs, frit fly and greenbug aphids.

Bluegrass is found throughout the United States and into Canada, except in arid areas.  Tennessee is about the southern boundary for its use, though you will find it used in lawn applications as far South as Atlanta, Georgia.  It is found on over 100 million acres of lawns and pastures in the US.   Adapted to well drained loamy and heavier soil types, especially those soils with limestone origin.  Over 200 species of Bluegrass exist with hundreds of Kentucky Bluegrass varieties available on the market.  A large selection of these varieties are lawn and sports field types... with only a smaller number of improved forage varieties available.

KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS (Forage Variety)

Forage Bluegrass has excellent early spring green-up and forage production.  It performs well under a variety of management regimes.  Bluegrass is generally tolerant of close grazing and is both palatable and nutritious for all livestock - horses included.