Annual Meadow Grass, Annual bluegrass, Low Spear Grass, Meadow Grass, Six Week Grass, Annual Blue
Poa annua
Family: Poaceae or Gramineae
What it is like
Form: Spreading or horizontal, Upright or erect.
Poa annua is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from February to November, and the seeds ripen from April to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind, Cleistogomy (self-pollinating without flowers ever opening). The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Waste places, cultivated land, grassland etc.
Cosmopolitan, throughout the whole world, including Britain, but only on mountains in the tropics.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 0
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
How it is grown
A very easily grown plant, it succeeds in any well-drained moderately fertile soil in a sunny position. Tolerates very acid soils. This plant is a very common garden weed and will not usually require cultivation. An important food plant for the caterpillars of many species of butterfly. It is often found growing in close cut lawns. The seed drops very readily from the plant so it is difficult to harvest. This also means that the seed is spread very easily, making the plant even more difficult to eradicate. Special Features:North American native.
Propagating it: Seed - there should be no problem with having to sow this plant since it does the job very effectively without our help.
Best place to grow: Lawn; Meadow;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist