Annual Bluegrass
Poa annua
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
2"–10" H × 2"–8" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Annual bluegrass is a short-lived cool-season grass that germinates in fall and dies in summer heat. It forms small tufts with fine-textured bright green leaves and produces inconspicuous seed heads in spring and early summer.
In an HOA neighborhood
Annual Bluegrass takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
- Widely considered a weedy pest grass
- Creates patchy, uneven appearance in lawns
- Dies back leaving bare spots
Wildlife value
Provides minimal wildlife value as it produces wind-pollinated flowers with little nectar or pollen for insects. Seeds may provide food for small birds.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Annual Bluegrass fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.