How much sun does Annual Bluegrass need?

Annual Bluegrass grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Annual Bluegrass bloom?

Annual Bluegrass blooms in April, May, June, and July.

Where is Annual Bluegrass native?

Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Annual Bluegrass toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Annual Bluegrass as toxic to livestock.

Is Annual Bluegrass HOA-friendly?

Annual Bluegrass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Annual Bluegrass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Poa annua

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Annual Bluegrass as toxic to livestock.

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

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Sonoran Basin and Range

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.

Common questions

How much sun does Annual Bluegrass need?: Annual Bluegrass grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Annual Bluegrass bloom?: Annual Bluegrass blooms in April, May, June, and July.
Where is Annual Bluegrass native?: Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Annual Bluegrass toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Annual Bluegrass as toxic to livestock.
Is Annual Bluegrass HOA-friendly?: Annual Bluegrass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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.

Ready to grow Annual Bluegrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz