Kentucky Bluegrass vs. Other Bluegrasses: What's in a Name?

Kentucky trademarked its name in 1990; many "Kentucky bluegrass" cultivars now sell under different names. True Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) originated from Lexington horse pastures on limestone soil. Shallow roots, high maintenance, disease-prone in chemical soil—but unmatched beauty when happy.

"Kentucky 31" is tall fescue, not bluegrass—coarser, tougher, lower maintenance. Many modern cultivars match Kentucky bluegrass performance under different labels. If you want the classic look, seek Poa pratensis by any name. Just know: it demands sun, water, mowing, feeding, and chemical-free soil to thrive.