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Oldpasture Bluegrass

Poa saltuensis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Oldpasture Bluegrass (Poa saltuensis)
Photo: University of South Florida Herbarium (USF), / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Toxicity unknown

Oldpasture Bluegrass (Poa saltuensis) 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

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, CT, GA, IA and 25 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 area

Poa saltuensis is a bunchgrass that forms neat clumps reaching up to 3 feet tall. It produces delicate seed heads in late spring through summer and tolerates partial shade conditions well. This perennial grass provides a naturalistic texture while maintaining a relatively controlled growth habit.

In an HOA neighborhood

Oldpasture Bluegrass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

As a native grass, it provides seeds for birds and nesting material for small wildlife. The grass structure offers shelter for beneficial insects and small creatures.

Common questions

How much sun does Oldpasture Bluegrass need?
Oldpasture Bluegrass grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Oldpasture Bluegrass bloom?
Oldpasture Bluegrass blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Oldpasture Bluegrass native?
Oldpasture Bluegrass (Poa saltuensis) is native to AL, CT, GA, IA and 25 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Oldpasture Bluegrass HOA-friendly?
Oldpasture Bluegrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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.

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

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