How To Control Annual Bluegrass (Poa Annua)

Poa annua is one of the most common grassy weeds in the U.S. It is light green in color and produces unsightly seed heads in spring. The plants usually die off in summer.

Description

Poa annua, or annual bluegrass, is one of the most common and widely distributed grassy weed in the U.S. It is widely adapted to different site conditions and cultural practices.

Poa annua is light green in color with coarse textured leaves and products unsightly seed heads. Both annual and perennial types exist. Perennial types are more common in areas that are watered frequently, and fed lots of nitrogen. It is also common in areas with lots of shade or that are compacted.

Seed germinates in late summer or early fall. The seedlings grow in the fall and flower in spring. An individual plant can produce hundreds of seed that can remain dormant in the soil for years. Annual bluegrass usually dies off in summer but can survive if the landscape is regularly watered.

What To Do and Helpful Tips

  • Poa annua should be removed or controlled before it flowers and produce seed. If only a few plants are present, they can be removed by hand.
  • Mulching can be an effective control against Poa annua because it help prevent seed germination by blocking sunlight from the soil.
Properly spaced plants that are watered deeply but infrequently and fed properly are better able to outcompete Poa annua in garden beds.