Roughstalk Bluegrass

Poa trivialis

Weed Description
A perennial bluegrass with stolons that may reach 1-3 feet in height. These plants go dormant throughout the summer and carry out their life cycle during the winter months. Found throughout the southeastern United States.

Leaves
Folded in the bud and have the boat-shaped tip typical of most bluegrass species. Leaf blades are 2-7 inches long, 2-5 mm wide, covered with many small hairs, with a relatively large (4-6 mm) membranous ligule.

Stems
Covered with many small hairs, with brown to purple bands surrounding the nodes.

Flowers
The seedhead is a panicle very similar to other bluegrass turf species.

Roots
Fibrous roots with a stoloniferous root system (aboveground creeping roots) that contributes significantly to the spread of this weed.

Identifying Characteristics
As an agronomic weed, this weed should be relatively easy to distinguish from other grasses. The distinctive boat-shaped leaf tip, seedhead, growing season, and presence of stolons are all characteristics that help in the identification of this weed.

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

Roughstalk Bluegrass

Poa trivialis

Trouble identifying a weed?