How much sun does Fowl bluegrass need?

Fowl bluegrass grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Fowl bluegrass bloom?

Fowl bluegrass blooms in June and July.

Where is Fowl bluegrass native?

Fowl bluegrass (Poa palustris) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 35 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Fowl bluegrass attract?

Fowl bluegrass draws wind-pollinated.

Fowl bluegrass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Poa palustris

Last reviewed: October 2026

Fowl bluegrass (Poa palustris) is a perennial grass native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 35 more states. It blooms in June and July. The flowers draw wind-pollinated.

Toxicity unknown

Fowl bluegrass (Poa palustris) 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.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

18"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, CT and 35 more states

Pollinators

wind-pollinated

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 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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A cool-season bunchgrass called fowl bluegrass, with fine narrow blades and an open, airy seed head in early summer. Grows naturally in wet meadows and along stream edges.

Growing Fowl bluegrass

Grow Fowl bluegrass in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 18 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Seeds provide food for songbirds and the grass clumps offer cover for ground-nesting wildlife in wet meadow habitat.

Common questions

How much sun does Fowl bluegrass need?: Fowl bluegrass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Fowl bluegrass bloom?: Fowl bluegrass blooms in June and July.
Where is Fowl bluegrass native?: Fowl bluegrass (Poa palustris) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 35 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Fowl bluegrass attract?: Fowl bluegrass draws wind-pollinated.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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

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