Canada Bluegrass

Poa compressa

Native to:
Albania, Algeria, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Corse, Cyprus, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Kazakhstan, Krym, Labrador, Lebanon-Syria, Morocco, Netherlands, North Caucasus, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Romania, Russia, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Ukraine

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Poa
Species:
Poa compressa
USDA Symbol:
POCO

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
90 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
greenish
Lawn Substitute:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Asymmetrura graminivorella

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Salt Tolerant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
poor, rocky, well-drained soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
often found in disturbed sites and compacted soils

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment in cool, moist conditions.

Where to Buy

Nationwide Seller