Canada Bluegrass

Scientific Name: Poa compressa L.

Classification: Plantae/ Tracheobionta / Spermatophyta / Magnoliophyta / Liliopsida / Commelinidae / Cyperales / Poaceae / Gramineae / Poa L./ Poa compressa L.

Canada Bluegrass
General Information
Usda SymbolPOCO
GroupMonocot
Life CyclePerennial
Growth HabitsGraminoid
Native LocationsPOCO

Plant Guide

Alternate Names

Common Alternate Names: English bluegrass, wiregrass, flat stem bluegrass

Uses

Canada bluegrass is a pioneer species on moderately acidic soils and on soils with poor fertility. Its primary use is for controlling erosion on disturbed sites such as roadsides, mine reclamation sites, heavy use recreation areas, and for low maintenance landscaping. It is palatable to livestock and big game but does not produce abundant forage. It stays green well into the fall and early winter (with adequate soil moisture) and withstands close grazing and heavy trampling. Small mammals and song birds consume leaves and seed. Prairie chickens, wild turkey, and cottontail rabbits eat small amounts of seed and leaves (Majerus and Holzworth, 2003; Uchytil, 1993). Mule deer browse Canada bluegrass in the winter.

Status

Canada bluegrass is listed as potentially invasive and banned in Connecticut (PLANTS Database). In Alaska, it does not appear to change species composition or structure in native plant communities (Klein, 2008). The spread of Canada bluegrass throughout North America is thought to have been caused by the contamination of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) seed with Canada bluegrass. However, it was also found along the upper Saskatchewan River in Canada in 1823 and at other isolated locations unfrequented by European explorers in the early 1800’s (Oakley, 1910). Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural Resources for this plant’s current status (e.g., threatened or endangered species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

Weediness

This plant may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats and may displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed. Please consult with your local NRCS Field Office, Cooperative Extension Service office, state natural resource, or state agriculture department regarding its status and use. Weed information is also available from the PLANTS Web site at http://plants.usda.gov/. Please consult the Related Web Sites on the Plant Profile for this species for further information.

Description

General: Grass Family (Poaceae). Canada bluegrass is an introduced, perennial, rhizomatous grass. Culms are 15-20 cm (5.9-7.9 in) tall, hollow, flattened and glabrous to scaberulous. Sheaths are open, glaberous, smooth, or faintly scaberulous, flattened, and keeled. Leaves are 1-4 mm (0.04-0.16 in) wide and 2-10 cm (0.79-3.94 in) long, flat, folded or loosely involute, boat tipped, glabrous to scabrous and have two grooves down middle of upper blade surface. Collars are yellow, auricles absent and ligules are membranous, 0.5-1.5 mm (0.02-0.06 in) long, obtuse, ciliolate, and puberulent abaxially. The inflorescence is a narrow panicle 3-8 cm (1.18-3.15 in) long. Spikelets are 3to 8 flowered, 4-6 mm (0.16-0.24 in) long and crowded at the end of the branches. The first glume is 2-3 mm (0.08-0.12 in) long, acute and second glume is slightly longer and broader than the first.

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http://plants.usda.gov/� Lemmas are 2-3 mm (0.08-0.12 in) long, compressed-keeled, web scant or absent and keel and marginal nerves are slightly pubescent and glabrous between (Skinner, 2010; Majerus, 2009). Canada bluegrass is considered to be apomictic (producing seed asexually) and the chromosome number is 2n = 42. It is often confused with Kentucky bluegrass but has a distinct blue-green foliage, flattened wiry stems and short compact panicles. It does not form a tight sod and regrowth following clipping or grazing is slow compared to Kentucky bluegrass (Majerus and Holzworth, 2003). Distribution: Canada bluegrass is an introduced species native to Europe. It is currently found throughout North America with the exception of the state of Florida. For current distribution, please consult the Plant Profile page for this species on the PLANTS Web site. Habitat: Canada bluegrass has naturalized throughout much of North America since its introduction into Canada in the late 1700’s . It is found on wet sites, open meadows, and in open deciduous and coniferous forests as well as waste areas (Majerus and Holzworth, 2003).

Adaptation

Canada bluegrass is adapted to wet sites but thrives on moderately acidic, and droughty soils with poor fertility. It is found most commonly on clay textured soils and grows poorly on sandy textured soils (Oakley, 1910). It is best adapted to areas receiving at least 18 inches annual precipitation. Canada bluegrass low maintenance landscape planting at Bridger, MT Plant Materials Center. (Bridger, MT PMC)

Establishment

Seed should be planted into a clean, firm seedbed to a depth of ¼ inch. Drilling is preferred to ensure uniform seeding depth but broadcast seeding followed by harrowing and packing can be utilized where soil moisture is not lacking. Canada bluegrass can be slower to establish when broadcast seeded. Early spring seeding is preferred. Late summer (if soil moisture is adequate) and dormant fall seeding can be successful. The single species seeding rate is 2 pounds Pure Live Seed (PLS) per acre (Ogle, et al., 2011). For erosion control plantings, double the seeding rate to 4 pounds PLS per acre and for low maintenance turf plantings, sow 6 pounds PLS per acre. If planted in a mixture, adjust the seeding rate to the percent of mix desired. Seed weights reported range from 1,600,000 (Majerus and Holzworth 2003) to 2,393,000 (PLANTS Database) seeds per pound. Because seed is small, it is often seeded with a carrier such as rice hulls to facilitate more uniform distribution and metering of the seed. Stands may require weed control measures during establishment, but applications of broadleaf herbicides should not be made until plants have reached the four to six leaf stage. Mow above grass seedlings when weeds begin to bloom to reduce weed seed production. Insects may damage new stands and the use of insecticides may be required. Be sure to read and follow pesticide label directions.

Management

Canada bluegrass greens up early in the spring and if fall rains are adequate will make fall growth. Growth during summer is dependent on precipitation or irrigation. It stays green into late fall and early winter and is tolerant of close grazing and heavy trampling. Grazing should be deferred on seeded lands for at least two growing seasons to allow for full stand establishment.

Pests and Potential Problems

Grasshoppers, plant bugs, stink bugs, skipper caterpillars, moth caterpillars, beetles, and bluegrass billbugs feed on Canada bluegrass (Illinois Wildflowers, online). The only documented disease found in Canada bluegrass is oat necrotic mottle virus (ONMV) which causes a mosaic of oat and a mild or symptomless disease in Canada bluegrass and other grasses which might be transmitted by a mite (Gill, 1976).

Environmental Concerns

Concerns , Use soil moisture sensors to measure the soil moisture of Canada Bluegrass.

Concerns

Canada bluegrass spreads primarily by rhizomes. It is considered “weedy” by some and not so by others. Canada bluegrass may spread into adjoining plant communities under ideal climatic and environmental conditions. For alternatives to control Canada bluegrass contact your local agricultural extension specialist or county weed specialist to learn what works best in your area and how to use it safely. Always read label and safety instructions for each control method. Trade names and control measures appear in this document only to provide specific information. USDA NRCS does not guarantee or warranty the products and control methods named, and other products may be equally effective.

Seed and Plant Production

Plant Production

Plant Production

Canada bluegrass plugs are easy to propagate in a greenhouse. Seed is surface-grown into containers containing standard potting mix. Seeds germinate at temperatures between 20 and 30°C (68-86°F). Pre- chilling at 10°C (50°F) or alternating temperatures increases germination rates (Klein 2008). Approximately 60-90 days of growth are required before transplanting. Roots should fill containers but not be root-bound. Seed production fields can be established as a solid stand or in rows spaced 18-24 inches apart. Solid stands can be difficult to manage and should be attempted only with clean fields and confidence in chemical weed control. If planted in rows, the field can be allowed to go solid following two years of cultivation for weed control. Canada bluegrass seed matures uniformly and does not shatter readily making this species easy to harvest. It is ready to harvest when the field has reached a uniform golden color. Seed production fields may be swathed and combined out of a cured windrow or it may be direct harvested. Seed yields range from 250-500 pounds per acre on irrigated sites. Seed harvest occurs from mid July to mid August depending on location. Dryland seed production should not be attempted on sites receiving less than 18 inches annual precipitation (Majerus and Holzworth, 2003). Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin) ‘Canon’ was selected at Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario in 1944 from collections made in the United States and Canada. It was bred for leafiness and disease resistance. The intended use is for turf applications. Breeder seed is maintained by Ontario Agricultural College. Certified seed is apparently not available (USDA, 1994). Foothills Selected Class Germplasm was selected and released by the USDA-NRCS Bridger, Montana Plant Materials Center in 2001. It is a composite of eight collections from Europe (Denmark, Romania, Netherlands, and Czechoslovakia), Asia (former USSR), and the United States. It was selected for seedling vigor, rate of spread, forage production, seed production, and uniform ripening. It was tested with comparison to ‘Reubens’ and found to have superior seedling vigor, rate of spread, and seed production. Bridger Plant Materials Center maintains Generation 1 (G1) seed which is made available to seed growers for production of Certified G2 and G3 seed (Majerus and Holzworth, 2003). ‘Reubens’ was released by the Jacklin Seed Company, Post Falls, Idaho in 1976. It was a phenotypic selection of plants from an established field of common Canada bluegrass near Reubens, Idaho. Phenotypic selection was repeated in subsequent generations to improve trueness to type prior to release. Under a low maintenance mowing schedule, it becomes a denser turf than common Canada bluegrass. Breeder Seed is maintained by the Jacklin Seed Company and Certified seed is available (USDA, 1994). ‘Talon’ was developed by Cascade International Seed Company at its breeding facility located in Aumsville, Oregon. It originated as a single, apomictic plant selected from a controlled hybridization. The maternal parent was from a naturalized selection collected near Spokane, Washington in 1991. Paternal sources were also naturalized selections collected in 1991 near Spokane, Enterprise, Oregon and East Lansing, Michigan. Talon is unique from its maternal parent by its apomixis, taller and more erect growth habit, darker color and thicker stems. It is recommended for use in western Oregon and similar climates. The first Breeder seed was produced in 1995. Breeder and Certified Seed are maintained by L&H Seeds, Connell, Washington (AOSCA, 2010).

References

Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA). 2010. A report of the National Grass Variety Review Board. May, 2010. [Online]. http://www.aosca.org/VarietyReviewBoards/Grass/2010GrassReport_final.pdf (accessed January 12, 2012) Gill, C. Oat necrotic mottle virus. [Online]. Descriptions of Plant Viruses. http://www.dpvweb.net/dpv/showadpv.php?dvno=169 (accessed January 9, 2012) Illinois Wildflowers. Canada bluegrass. [Online]. http://www.illinoiswildfloweres.info/grasses/cn_bluegrass.htm (accessed January 9, 2012). Klein, H. 2008. Canada Bluegrass (Poa compressa). [Online]. Alaska Natural Heritage Program, University of Alaska. http://aknhp.uaa.alaska.edu (accessed January 4, 2012). Majerus, M. 2009. Forage and Reclamation Grasses of the Northern Plains and Rocky Mountains. Valley Printers, Bridger, MT 161 p. Majerus, M, Holzworth, L. 2003. Foothills Selected Class Germplasm Canada Bluegrass A

Conservation

Plant for Montana and Wyoming. Fact Sheet. USDA -Natural Resources Conservation Service. Bozeman, MT. 2p Ogle, D., L. St. John, M. Stannard, L. Holzworth. 2011. Conservation Plant Materials for the Intermountain West. Technical Note 24. USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service. Boise, ID. 57 p. Oakley, R. 1910. Canada Bluegrass: Its Culture and Uses. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry. Farmers Bulletin No. 402. 19 p. PLANTS Database. Poa compressa. [Online]. http://plants.usda.gov U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. (accessed January 4, 2012) Skinner, Q. 2010. A Field Guide to Wyoming Grasses. Education Resources Publishing, Cumming GA. 595 p. Uchytil, R. 1993. Poa compressa. In

Plant Traits

Growth Requirements

CaCO3 ToleranceMedium
Frost Free Days, Minimum90
Frost Free Days, Minimum130
Frost Free Days, Minimum130
Fire ToleranceLow
Fire ToleranceHigh
Fire ToleranceHigh
Fertility RequirementLow
Fertility RequirementLow
Fertility RequirementLow
Drought ToleranceMedium
Drought ToleranceMedium
Drought ToleranceMedium
Cold Stratification RequiredNo
Cold Stratification RequiredNo
Cold Stratification RequiredNo
Temperature, Minimum (°F)-38
CaCO3 ToleranceMedium
CaCO3 ToleranceMedium
Anaerobic ToleranceNone
Anaerobic ToleranceNone
Anaerobic ToleranceNone
Adapted to Medium Textured SoilsYes
Adapted to Medium Textured SoilsYes
Adapted to Medium Textured SoilsYes
Adapted to Fine Textured SoilsYes
Adapted to Fine Textured SoilsYes
Adapted to Fine Textured SoilsYes
Adapted to Coarse Textured SoilsYes
Adapted to Coarse Textured SoilsYes
Adapted to Coarse Textured SoilsYes
Hedge ToleranceNone
Temperature, Minimum (°F)-38
Temperature, Minimum (°F)-38
Shade ToleranceTolerant
Shade ToleranceTolerant
Shade ToleranceTolerant
Salinity ToleranceNone
Salinity ToleranceNone
Salinity ToleranceNone
Root Depth, Minimum (inches)10
Root Depth, Minimum (inches)10
Root Depth, Minimum (inches)1
Precipitation, Minimum20
Precipitation, Minimum16
Precipitation, Minimum12
Precipitation, Maximum45
Hedge ToleranceNone
Hedge ToleranceNone
Moisture UseMedium
Moisture UseMedium
Moisture UseMedium
pH, Maximum7.0
pH, Maximum7.0
pH, Maximum7.0
pH, Minimum5.0
pH, Minimum5.0
pH, Minimum5.0
Precipitation, Maximum45
Precipitation, Maximum45


Morphology/Physiology

Active Growth PeriodSpring
ToxicityNone
ToxicityNone
ToxicityNone
Shape and OrientationSemi-Erect
Shape and OrientationSemi-Erect
Shape and OrientationErect
Resprout AbilityNo
Resprout AbilityNo
Flower ConspicuousNo
Fall ConspicuousNo
Fire ResistantNo
Fire ResistantNo
Fire ResistantNo
Flower ColorYellow
Flower ColorYellow
Flower ColorYellow
Flower ConspicuousNo
Fall ConspicuousNo
Flower ConspicuousNo
Foliage ColorGray-Green
Foliage ColorGray-Green
Foliage ColorGreen
Foliage Porosity SummerModerate
Foliage Porosity SummerModerate
Foliage Porosity SummerModerate
Foliage Porosity WinterPorous
BloatNone
Resprout AbilityNo
Active Growth PeriodSpring
Active Growth PeriodSpring
After Harvest Regrowth RateModerate
After Harvest Regrowth RateModerate
After Harvest Regrowth RateModerate
BloatNone
BloatNone
Nitrogen FixationNone
C:N RatioMedium
C:N RatioMedium
C:N RatioMedium
Coppice PotentialNo
Coppice PotentialNo
Coppice PotentialNo
Fall ConspicuousNo
LifespanModerate
Height, Mature (feet)2.0
Height, Mature (feet)2.0
Known AllelopathNo
Known AllelopathNo
Known AllelopathNo
Leaf RetentionNo
Leaf RetentionNo
Leaf RetentionNo
Foliage Porosity WinterPorous
LifespanModerate
LifespanModerate
Low Growing GrassYes
Low Growing GrassYes
Low Growing GrassYes
Nitrogen FixationNone
Nitrogen FixationNone
Growth RateRapid
Height, Mature (feet)2.0
Foliage Porosity WinterPorous
Foliage TextureFine
Foliage TextureFine
Foliage TextureFine
Fruit/Seed ColorBrown
Fruit/Seed ColorBrown
Fruit/Seed ColorBrown
Fruit/Seed ConspicuousNo
Fruit/Seed ConspicuousNo
Growth FormRhizomatous
Growth FormRhizomatous
Growth FormRhizomatous
Growth RateModerate
Growth RateRapid
Fruit/Seed ConspicuousNo


Reproduction

Fruit/Seed PersistenceNo
Propagated by TubersNo
Propagated by TubersNo
Propagated by TubersNo
Propagated by SprigsNo
Propagated by SprigsNo
Propagated by SprigsNo
Propagated by SodNo
Propagated by SodNo
Propagated by SodNo
Propagated by SeedYes
Propagated by SeedYes
Propagated by SeedYes
Propagated by CuttingsNo
Propagated by CuttingsNo
Seed per Pound2392820
Seed per Pound2392820
Seed per Pound2392820
Seed Spread RateSlow
Seed Spread RateSlow
Seed Spread RateSlow
Seedling VigorLow
Seedling VigorLow
Seedling VigorLow
Small GrainNo
Small GrainNo
Small GrainNo
Vegetative Spread RateSlow
Vegetative Spread RateSlow
Vegetative Spread RateSlow
Propagated by CormNo
Propagated by CuttingsNo
Bloom PeriodMid Spring
Bloom PeriodMid Spring
Bloom PeriodMid Spring
Commercial AvailabilityRoutinely Available
Commercial AvailabilityRoutinely Available
Commercial AvailabilityRoutinely Available
Fruit/Seed AbundanceMedium
Fruit/Seed AbundanceMedium
Fruit/Seed AbundanceMedium
Fruit/Seed Period BeginSpring
Fruit/Seed Period BeginSpring
Fruit/Seed Period BeginSpring
Fruit/Seed Period EndSummer
Fruit/Seed Period EndSummer
Fruit/Seed PersistenceNo
Fruit/Seed Period EndSummer
Propagated by CormNo
Propagated by CormNo
Propagated by ContainerNo
Propagated by ContainerNo
Propagated by ContainerNo
Propagated by BulbNo
Propagated by BulbNo
Propagated by BulbNo
Propagated by Bare RootNo
Propagated by Bare RootNo
Propagated by Bare RootNo
Fruit/Seed PersistenceNo


Suitability/Use

Palatable Browse AnimalMedium
Palatable Graze AnimalHigh
Palatable Graze AnimalHigh
Palatable Graze AnimalHigh
Palatable HumanNo
Palatable HumanNo
Palatable HumanNo
Post ProductNo
Post ProductNo
Post ProductNo
Protein PotentialMedium
Protein PotentialMedium
Protein PotentialMedium
Pulpwood ProductNo
Pulpwood ProductNo
Pulpwood ProductNo
Veneer ProductNo
Veneer ProductNo
Veneer ProductNo
Lumber ProductNo
Berry/Nut/Seed ProductNo
Berry/Nut/Seed ProductNo
Berry/Nut/Seed ProductNo
Christmas Tree ProductNo
Christmas Tree ProductNo
Christmas Tree ProductNo
Fodder ProductNo
Fodder ProductNo
Fodder ProductNo
Palatable Browse AnimalMedium
Lumber ProductNo
Lumber ProductNo
Naval Store ProductNo
Naval Store ProductNo
Naval Store ProductNo
Nursery Stock ProductNo
Nursery Stock ProductNo
Nursery Stock ProductNo
Palatable Browse AnimalMedium

Canada Bluegrass

Canada Bluegrass

Canada Bluegrass

Canada Bluegrass

Canada Bluegrass