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Spreading Meadow-grass

Poa humilis

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Poales
Family:
Poaceae (Grass)
Also in this family:
Alpine Catstail, Alpine Foxtail, Alpine Meadow-grass, Annual Beard-grass, Annual Meadow-grass, Arrow Bamboo, Barren Brome Grass, Bearded Couch Grass, Bearded Fescue, Bermuda Grass, Black Bent, Black Grass, Blue Fescue, Blue Moor-grass, Bog Hair-grass, Borrer's Saltmarsh Grass, Bread Wheat, Bristle Bent, Brown Bent, Brown Sedge, Bulbous Foxtail, Bulbous Meadow-grass, California Brome Grass, Canary Grass, Carnation Sedge, Cocksfoot, Cockspur, Common Bent, Common Cord-grass, Common Millet, Common Reed, Common Saltmarsh Grass, Compact Brome Grass, Corn, Couch Grass, Creeping Bent, Creeping Soft-grass, Crested Dog's-tail, Crested Hair-grass, Cultivated Oat, Curved Hard Grass, Cut Grass, Dense Silky Bent, Downy Oat-grass, Drooping Brome Grass, Drooping Tor Grass, Dune Fescue, Early Hair-grass, Early Meadow-grass, Early Sand-grass, False Brome Grass, False Oat-grass, Fern Grass, Fine-leaved Sheep's Fescue, Flattened Meadow-grass, Floating Sweet-grass, Foxtail Barley, French Oat, Giant Fescue, Glaucous Meadow-grass, Great Brome Grass, Greater Quaking Grass, Grey Hair-grass, Hairy Brome Grass, Hairy Finger-grass, Hard Fescue, Hard Grass, Harestail Grass, Heath Grass, Holy Grass, Hybrid Marram Grass, Italian Rye Grass, Knotroot Bristlegrass, Lesser Hairy Brome Grass, Lesser Quaking Grass, Loose Silky Bent, Lyme Grass, Marram Grass, Marsh Foxtail, Mat Grass, Mat-grass Fescue, Meadow Barley, Meadow Fescue, Meadow Foxtail, Meadow Oat-grass, Mountain Melick, Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass, Narrow-leaved Small-reed, Neglected Couch Grass, Nit Grass, Orange Foxtail, Pampas Grass, Perennial Rye Grass, Plicate Sweet-grass, Purple Moor-grass, Purple Small-reed, Purple-stem Catstail, Quaking Grass, Ratstail Fescue, Red Fescue, Reed Canary Grass, Reed Sweet-grass, Reflexed Saltmarsh Grass, Rescue Grass, Rough Meadow-grass, Rush-leaved Fescue, Sand Catstail, Sand Couch Grass, Scandinavian Small-reed, Scottish Small-reed, Sea Barley, Sea Couch Grass, Sea Fern Grass, Sheep's Fescue, Silver Hair-grass, Six-rowed Barley, Slender Brome Grass, Small Cord-grass, Small Sweet-grass, Smaller Catstail, Smooth Brome Grass, Smooth Cord-grass, Smooth Finger-grass, Smooth Meadow-grass, Soft Brome Grass, Somerset Hair-grass, Sorghum, Squirreltail Fescue, Stiff Brome Grass, Stiff Saltmarsh Grass, Sweet Vernal Grass, Tall Fescue, Timothy Grass, Tor Grass, Tufted Hair-grass, Two-rowed Barley, Upright Brome Grass, Velvet Bent, Viviparous Fescue, Wall Barley, Wavy Hair-grass, Wavy Meadow-grass, Whorl Grass, Wild Oat, Wood Barley, Wood Fescue, Wood Meadow-grass, Wood Melick, Wood Millet, Yellow Oat-grass, Yorkshire Fog
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
30 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Beaches, grassland, meadows, mountains, riversides, roadsides, rocky places, sand dunes, seaside, walls.

Flower:
✿
Green, no petals
 
The glumes (3mm long) are more sharply pointed than those of the similar looking Smooth Meadow-grass (Poa pratensis) and Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass (Poa angustifolia). 2 to 4 spikelets per flower.
Fruit:
The fruit is a one-sided, dry seed. The technical name for the fruit of a grass is a caryopsis.
Leaves:
Linear, entire leaves with parallel veins. Slightly hairy sheaths at the base. Similar in appearance to Smooth Meadow-grass (Poa pratensis) and Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass (Poa angustifolia) but shorter and broader ligules.
Other Names:
Creeping Bluegrass, Dwarf Bluegrass, Spreading Bentgrass, Spreading Bluegrass.
Frequency (UK):
Common  

Similar Species

Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass

Smooth Meadow-grass
Smooth Meadow-grass

Other Information

Summary

Poa humilis, also known as dwarf bluegrass, is a perennial grass species native to North America, Europe, and Asia. It is typically found in a wide range of habitats, including meadows, pastures, and rocky or sandy areas. The plant has narrow leaves and small, blue-green inflorescences. Poa humilis is a cool-season grass and is often used for forage and turf. It is also considered an invasive species in some areas. It is a low growing grass, hence the name 'humilis' which is Latin for low or humble. It's often used as turf or ground cover, as it forms a dense mat of fine textured leaves.

Blog

Spreading meadow-grass, Poa humilis, is a species of grass that is native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. It is also known by several other common names, including spreading bluegrass, spreading bentgrass, and creeping bluegrass. This species of grass is known for its ability to spread quickly and to thrive in a wide range of soil types and growing conditions. In this blog, we will discuss the characteristics of spreading meadow-grass, its uses, and how to cultivate and maintain it.

Characteristics of Spreading Meadow-Grass

Spreading meadow-grass is a low-growing grass species that typically grows to be between 5 and 20 cm in height. It has a creeping growth habit, which allows it to spread quickly and to form a dense mat of grass. The leaves of spreading meadow-grass are typically bright green in color, and they are narrow and pointed with a slightly rough texture. The plant produces small flowers that are typically green or purplish in color and are held in loose clusters at the end of a long stem.

Uses of Spreading Meadow-Grass

Spreading meadow-grass is a popular grass species for use in lawns, parks, and golf courses. Its ability to spread quickly and form a dense mat makes it an ideal choice for areas that receive heavy foot traffic. The grass is also commonly used in erosion control projects, as its deep root system helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion. In addition, spreading meadow-grass is often used as a forage grass for livestock, as it is highly palatable and nutritious.

Cultivating and Maintaining Spreading Meadow-Grass

Spreading meadow-grass is a relatively easy grass species to cultivate and maintain. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels. The grass can be grown from seed or by planting plugs or sod. If starting from seed, it is best to sow the seed in the fall or early spring. The seed should be sown on a well-prepared seedbed and covered with a thin layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist until the grass has become established.

Once established, spreading meadow-grass requires regular watering and fertilization to maintain its health and vigor. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to fungal diseases and other problems. Mowing should be done on a regular basis, with the grass being cut to a height of 2.5 to 5 cm. If the grass is being used in a lawn or other high-traffic area, it may be necessary to mow more frequently to prevent it from becoming too tall.

Spreading meadow-grass is a versatile and hardy grass species that is well-suited to a variety of growing conditions. Whether you are looking to establish a lawn, stabilize soil, or provide forage for livestock, spreading meadow-grass is an excellent choice. By following the guidelines outlined in this blog, you can successfully cultivate and maintain a healthy and vibrant stand of spreading meadow-grass.

More Information

Spreading meadow-grass is a cool-season grass species that is well-suited to temperate climates. It can tolerate moderate levels of shade, making it a good choice for areas that receive partial sun. However, it may struggle in areas that receive full shade.

One of the benefits of spreading meadow-grass is that it has a high tolerance for drought conditions. This makes it an ideal grass species for areas that receive low rainfall or where water resources are limited. However, it is important to note that even drought-tolerant grasses require regular watering to maintain their health and vigor.

Spreading meadow-grass is also relatively resistant to disease and pests. However, like all grass species, it can be susceptible to certain problems under certain conditions. For example, overwatering can lead to fungal diseases, while under-fertilization can result in nutrient deficiencies that make the grass more vulnerable to pests and disease.

When planting spreading meadow-grass, it is important to select a variety that is well-suited to your growing conditions. Some varieties of spreading meadow-grass are more drought-tolerant, while others are more shade-tolerant. Additionally, some varieties may be better suited to specific soil types or growing conditions.

Some Facts about Spreading Meadow-grass

Here are some facts about spreading meadow-grass:

  1. Spreading meadow-grass is a low-growing grass species that is native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa.

  2. It is also known by several common names, including spreading bluegrass, spreading bentgrass, and creeping bluegrass.

  3. Spreading meadow-grass has a creeping growth habit, which allows it to spread quickly and form a dense mat of grass.

  4. The leaves of spreading meadow-grass are typically bright green in color, narrow, and pointed with a slightly rough texture.

  5. The plant produces small flowers that are typically green or purplish in color and are held in loose clusters at the end of a long stem.

  6. Spreading meadow-grass is a popular grass species for use in lawns, parks, and golf courses, as its ability to spread quickly and form a dense mat makes it an ideal choice for areas that receive heavy foot traffic.

  7. It is also commonly used in erosion control projects, as its deep root system helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.

  8. In addition, spreading meadow-grass is often used as a forage grass for livestock, as it is highly palatable and nutritious.

  9. Spreading meadow-grass prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels.

  10. It is a cool-season grass species that is well-suited to temperate climates.

  11. Spreading meadow-grass has a high tolerance for drought conditions, making it an ideal grass species for areas that receive low rainfall or where water resources are limited.

  12. It is relatively resistant to disease and pests but can be susceptible to certain problems under certain conditions.

  13. Spreading meadow-grass can be grown from seed or by planting plugs or sod.

  14. When planting spreading meadow-grass, it is important to select a variety that is well-suited to your growing conditions.

  15. Proper cultivation and maintenance of spreading meadow-grass can provide years of beautiful and functional growth.

 

Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

Click to open an Interactive Map