Overview
Poa annua is a cool season annual grass that is classified as a weed. Also known as annual bluegrass, poa annua does not match the existing grass in your lawn, making it look out of place and ruining the aesthetic of your yard. When poa annua dies in the summer, it leaves lawns with unsightly brown patches.
Use this guide to identify if you have poa annua in your yard. If you do, read our guide on how to get rid of poa annua to learn how to treat your yard.
What Does Poa Annua Look Like?
Poa annua can often be mistaken for other lawn weeds. Fortunately, poa annua has some key characteristics that identify it from other weeds:
- Poa annua is bright green and will appear much brighter that your lawn.
- Poa annua has smooth leaves with a pointed "boat shaped" tip.
- Poa annua grows in clumps, or a bunch-type pattern. You will not find poa annua growing in individual blades, but always in clumps.
- Poa annua is a cool season grass, meaning it can wither, thin out, and die in heat and drought conditions that are common in the summer.
- Poa annua produces a white feathery, tufted seed head that is unsightly. These seed heads are most common in the spring but can sometimes be seen in the winter or summer too.
If you believe you have poa annua, read our guide on how to find poa annua in your yard to learn how to inspect your yard for the weed. Click the right arrow below to read more.