Idaho Plant Materials Technical Note No. 24

Bluegrass, Kentucky
Poa pratensis
A major lawn and turf grass, introduced from Europe, adapted to cool climates and moist growing conditions. This
species has relatively low herbage production and should not be planted for pasture. It commonly out-competes desired
species on irrigated pasture and along riparian areas when poor grazing management has occurred due to its low
growing point which makes it very resistant to over grazing. It is an excellent erosion control species in appropriate
areas and may be recommended for small acreages. Do not plant in riparian areas, wetlands, irrigated pasture and native
meadows. Kentucky bluegrass requires 18 inches of annual precipitation or irrigation. Planting depth is 1/4 inch or less.
Numerous adapted varieties have been developed in the northwest and are available. Average seeds/ft 2 at one pound
rate is 50. Recommended seeding rate is for turf applications is 4 lb/ac.
Bluegrass, Mutton (Muttongrass)
Poa fendleriana
Muttongrass is a perennial bunchgrass growing to 2.5 feet tall. It is an important understory component in juniper,
pinon pine – juniper, ponderosa pine and sagebrush steppe plant communities. It is also occasionally found in aspen,
Engelmann spruce and lodgepole pine plant communities. It is a drought tolerant species found most commonly on
well drained clay loam to silt loam to sandy to gravelly soils. It is adapted to areas receiving 10 to 22 inches annual
precipitation. There are no releases currently available. Planting depth is 1/8 - 1/4 inch or less. Average seeds/ft 2 at one
pound rate is 20. Recommended pure stand seeding rate is 2 lb/ac. It is best utilized in low rainfall area native mixes.
Bluegrass, Nevada Poa secunda or P. nevadensis
A medium- long lived native bunchgrass, which re-establishes from seed. Adapted for early to mid spring grazing,
sometimes as much as 2 weeks ahead of crested wheatgrass, but becomes less desirable early in summer. It matures
similar to big bluegrass, but is much later maturing than Sandberg bluegrass. It has poor seedling vigor and requires as
much as 2- 4 years to reach full productivity. Because young plants are easily pulled up, grazing should be deferred
until roots are well anchored. Recommended sites include mountain foothill and mountain sites in sagebrush - grass
sites at 2,000 to 8,000 feet elevation, sunny places on mountain brush and ponderosa pine ranges. It provides excellent
nesting cover for upland birds. It is adapted to 10 to 20 inch annual precipitation. It will not tolerate early spring
flooding, high water tables, or poor drainage. It tolerates weakly acidic to weakly saline conditions. It can also be used
for ground cover and erosion control on cut or burned-over timberland. Use only in native seed mixtures due to its slow
establishment. Planting depth is 0-1/4 inch. Adapted variety is Opportunity Selected Germplasm. Average seeds/ft 2 at
1 lb. rate is 21. Recommend pure stand seeding rate is 2 lb/ac.
Bluegrass, Sandberg Poa secunda or P. sandbergii
Sandberg bluegrass is a small, low producing, very drought tolerant, native, perennial bunchgrass that grows in small
tufts usually no larger than 6-8 inches in diameter. It is widely distributed throughout western range plant communities
where it is considered an important grass for soil stabilization and forage for wildlife. It is best adapted to medium to
heavy textured soils. It is found from 1,000 feet in Washington to 12,000 feet in northern New Mexico. It is adapted to
8-20 inches of moisture annually. It is tolerant of heavy trampling. Forage yields are very low, seed viability is
generally poor, and forage quality declines rapidly in mid to late spring as it matures. It is one of the first grasses to
green-up in the spring. Due to its low stature, Sandberg bluegrass can withstand heavy grazing pressure. On large areas
of western semi-desert rangelands, overgrazing has depleted most of the desirable bunchgrasses except Sandberg
bluegrass. It provides little to no forage in summer and fall unless fall rains occur. High Plains Selected Germplasm is a
release from Bridger PMC. Reliable Selected Germplasm is a release by ARS. Mountain Home Source Identified
release originating from the Mountain Home, Idaho areas is also available. Planting depth is 1/4 inch or less. Average
seeds/ft 2 at one pound rate is 21. Recommended pure stand seeding rate is 2 lb/ac. It is best utilized in low rainfall area
native mixes.
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