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Rough bluegrass
Also known as: Rough meadow-grass, Roughstalk bluegrass
Rough bluegrass is a perennial grass that prefers cool, wet habitats and is often found in floodplains, forests, meadows, fields, and shores of rivers and lakes. It has flowers that bloom in late winter and early spring. Rough bluegrass is often confused with Kentucky bluegrass but has much rougher sheaths (hence the common name).
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Perennial
Lifespan
Grass
Plant Type
Green
Leaf Color
White, Green, Purple
Flower Color
Summer dormancy
Dormancy
Evergreen
Leaf type
0 - 32 ℃
Ideal Temperature

Images of Rough bluegrass

Distribution of Rough bluegrass

Distribution Map
Rough bluegrass, a grass species, is native to major regions in Eurasia and North Africa. It thrives across temperate climates, encompassing areas from Northern Europe to Central Asia. As an introduced species, rough bluegrass has gained a foothold in parts of North and South America, East Asia, Southern Africa, and Australasia. Its distribution is facilitated by cultivation in various regions beyond its indigenous range.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Floodplain, Forests, Meadows and fields, Shores of rivers or lakes
Hemisphere Trend Curve

Weed Control

Rough bluegrass originated from Europe and Asia. This plant can be a significant weed because of its ability to reproduce and spread rapidly. Its captivating power to adapt in various types of soil, from moist and shady areas to well-drained lands, contributes significantly to its weed status. Furthermore, rough bluegrass grows in dense mats, overshadowing and displacing other plants, leading to a loss in plant diversity. Particularly in gardens, it can overtake desired plants. To identify rough bluegrass in your garden, watch out for its thin, shiny, and roughly textured bright green leaves, which distinguish it from other grasses. One major way this plant propagates is through stolons - horizontal above-ground stems allowing it to creep along the surface and root at every node, thus spreading quickly and contributing to its harmful attributes.
How to Control It
The best time to manage rough bluegrass is during its active growing season, in the spring and early summer, before it sets seed. Control should be initiated when the plant is young and actively growing.
  1. Hand pulling: Ensure the soil is moist and grasp rough bluegrass close to the base, pulling gently to remove the entire root system without breaking it.
  2. Mowing: Cut rough bluegrass regularly to stress the plant and inhibit seed production, ideally before the flowers emerge.
  3. Mulching: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around desired plants to suppress the growth of rough bluegrass by blocking sunlight.
  4. Dense planting: Cultivate desirable plants densely to outcompete rough bluegrass for resources, thereby naturally controlling its growth.
  5. Corn gluten meal: Apply corn gluten meal in the early spring as a pre-emergent to prevent rough bluegrass seeds from germinating while fertilizing the soil.
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Quickly Identify Rough bluegrass

1
Smooth, glossy leaves measuring 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) with boat-shaped tips.
2
Distinctive purple-green spikelets in pyramidal inflorescence.
3
Membranous, prominent ligule crucial for identification.
4
Delicate, minute greenish or purplish flowers in open panicles.
5
Dry, papery caryopses within slightly flattened spikelet fruit structure.
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RELATED: How to identify Rough bluegrass

Care Guide for Rough bluegrass

Every week
Water
Partial sun
Sunlight
0 - 32 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: Adapted to temperate climates, rough bluegrass thrives in moist environments, preferring consistent moisture. While moderately drought-tolerant, it benefits from weekly watering to maintain optimal hydration, especially in cool, shady outdoor locations. Adjust watering routines based on rainfall to prevent over-saturation during the growing season.
Fertilize: For rough bluegrass, use high-nitrogen lawn fertilizers in spring and fall, applying every 4-6 weeks. Distribute 0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Avoid over-fertilization and tailor applications to seasonal changes, utilizing slow-release formulas and watering well after application.
Pruning: Rough bluegrass thrives in cool, moist conditions and benefits from pruning in early to late spring. Regular trimming helps maintain density and prevents overcrowding. Removing dead leaves improves airflow and reduces disease risk, ensuring vigorous growth and enhancing overall lawn appeal.
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RELATED: How to Grow and Care for Rough bluegrass
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