Smooth Meadow Grass
Poa pratensis
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Smooth Meadow Grass (Poa pratensis) 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 Smooth Meadow Grass as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native alternatives to Smooth Meadow Grass
Smooth Meadow Grass is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaSmooth meadow grass is a common cool-season turf grass that forms dense, fine-textured lawns. It spreads by underground rhizomes to create a uniform carpet of narrow green blades. This grass stays green through most of the growing season and produces inconspicuous flower spikes in late spring and early summer.
In an HOA neighborhood
Smooth Meadow Grass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 5 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
This grass provides minimal wildlife value as it produces wind-pollinated flowers that don't attract pollinators. It may provide some nesting material for birds and ground cover for small wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Smooth Meadow Grass need?
- Smooth Meadow Grass grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Smooth Meadow Grass bloom?
- Smooth Meadow Grass blooms in May, June, and July.
- Is Smooth Meadow Grass toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Smooth Meadow Grass as toxic to livestock.
- Is Smooth Meadow Grass HOA-friendly?
- Smooth Meadow Grass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
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 Smooth Meadow Grass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz