bulbous bluegrass
(Poa bulbosa)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Appearance
Poa bulbosa is a perennial grass that can grow up to 7.8-31.5 in. (20-80 cm) tall. It has multiple common names but the most common are bird grass, June grass, and Kentucky grass. P. bulbosa is native to Africa, temperate and tropical Asia, and Europe.
Foliage
Sheath slightly compressed, not sharply keeled, and split with overlapping margins. Leaf-blade parallel sided, from 0.07-0.15 in. (2-4 mm) wide, keeled, and v-shaped. Foliage is a deep green color.
Flowers
Flowering occurs from May-June. The panicle is from 1.2-5.1 in. (3-13 cm) long, 1.18-3.15 in. (3-8 cm) wide, and pyramid-shaped. It is open with long branches. The branches at the base are in clusters of 3-5. There are 3-5 flowers per spikelet held on short, slender stalks.
Fruit
The fruit is a caryopsis (dry one-seeded fruit).
Ecological Threat
P. bulbosa overtakes open fields, yards, and roadsides.
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder: Lilianae |
| Order: Poales |
| Family: Poaceae |
| Genus: Poa |
| Poa bulbosa |
References
Common Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
Scientific Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.