Seashore bluegrass
Poa macrantha
Last reviewed: October 2026
Seashore bluegrass (Poa macrantha) is a perennial grass native to CA, OR, WA. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw wind pollinated.
Toxicity unknown
Seashore bluegrass (Poa macrantha) 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
low
Size
6"–16" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, OR, WA
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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Browse plants for this ecoregion
A low, tough dune grass with stiff blue-green blades and spreads by rhizomes to form a stabilizing mat. Naturally adapted to shifting sand on coastal dunes, holding a neat, low profile.
Growing Seashore bluegrass
Grow Seashore bluegrass in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 16 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Its dense rhizome mat stabilizes dune habitat that shorebirds and native insects depend on, and seeds provide some food for small birds.
Common questions
- How much sun does Seashore bluegrass need?
- Seashore bluegrass grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Seashore bluegrass bloom?
- Seashore bluegrass blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Seashore bluegrass native?
- Seashore bluegrass (Poa macrantha) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Seashore bluegrass attract?
- Seashore bluegrass draws wind pollinated.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Seashore bluegrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.