Arctic Bluegrass
Poa arctica
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Arctic Bluegrass (Poa arctica) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Arctic Bluegrass as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
4"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CO, ID, MT, NM and 4 more states
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Arctic bluegrass is a compact, cool-season native grass that forms small tufts or clumps. This hardy perennial produces delicate flower spikes during summer months.
In an HOA neighborhood
Arctic Bluegrass takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Small size makes it look sparse in formal landscapes
- Unknown dormancy appearance could be problematic
- May appear weedy or unkempt compared to traditional turf
Wildlife value
Provides seeds for small birds and nesting material. As a native grass, it supports local insects and contributes to the natural food web.
Common questions
- How much sun does Arctic Bluegrass need?
- Arctic Bluegrass grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Arctic Bluegrass bloom?
- Arctic Bluegrass blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Arctic Bluegrass native?
- Arctic Bluegrass (Poa arctica) is native to CO, ID, MT, NM and 4 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Arctic Bluegrass toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Arctic Bluegrass as toxic to livestock.
- Is Arctic Bluegrass HOA-friendly?
- Arctic 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Arctic Bluegrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz