Annual Bluegrass

Poa annua

Weed Description
An erect or clump-forming annual grass that tolerates close mowing, or may reach 11 inches in height. Primarily a weed of lawns and turfgrass, found throughout the United States.

Leaves
Light green in color when compared to other turfgrass species. Leaf blades are 1-5mm wide, folded in the bud, and lack hairs on both sides.

Stems
May be either erect or bending, and may root at the base of the tillers.

Flowers
The seedhead is an open panicle, 3/4 to 2.5 inches long, and pyrimidal in outline.

Roots
Fibrous.

Identifying Characteristics
Light green grass with a boat-shaped leaf tip that resembles other lawn and turfgrass species. This weed is very similar to Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis), but is much lighter in color and lacks rhizomes.

Trouble identifying a weed?

For additional assistance identifying weeds, contact Dr. Kevin Braldly, State Extension Weed Scientist (bradleyke@missouri.edu).

Office of Programs

University of Missouri

Annual Bluegrass

Poa annua

Trouble identifying a weed?