Canby'S Bluegrass
Poa secunda
Last reviewed: June 2026
Poa secunda (Canby's Bluegrass) is a drought-tolerant native grass found across western and northern states. This low-water perennial blooms May through July and supports bees and beetles.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Canby'S Bluegrass as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 14 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Poa secunda is a native bunchgrass that forms compact clumps with fine-textured blue-green foliage. It produces delicate seed heads in late spring and early summer, then goes dormant during hot, dry periods. This drought-tolerant grass is well-adapted to harsh climates and poor soils.
Growing Canby'S Bluegrass
Grow Canby'S Bluegrass in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 4 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Canby'S 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.
- Goes dormant and turns brown in summer heat
- Can appear sparse or patchy
- May look unkempt compared to traditional lawn grasses
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and beetles during the blooming period from May through July. As a native grass, it also provides habitat and food sources for various wildlife species.
Common questions
- Where does Poa secunda naturally grow?
- Canby's Bluegrass is native to 18 states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and several others across western and northern regions.
- When does Canby's Bluegrass bloom?
- Poa secunda typically blooms from May through July, producing small grass flowers that attract pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Poa secunda?
- Canby's Bluegrass attracts bees and beetles during its flowering period from late spring through summer.
- How much water does Canby's Bluegrass need?
- This native grass is drought-tolerant and thrives with low water requirements, making it suitable for xeriscaping and natural landscapes.
- Is Canby'S Bluegrass toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Canby'S Bluegrass as toxic to livestock.
- Is Canby'S Bluegrass HOA-friendly?
- Canby'S 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 Canby'S Bluegrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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