Poa annua (Annual meadow lawn grass)

Botanical name

Poa annua

Other names

Annual meadow lawn grass, Meadow grass, Ulitiliy lawn grass

Genus

Poa Poa

Species

P. annua - P. annua is a tufted lawn grass with soft, smooth leaves which can be crinkled when young.

Foliage

Evergreen

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Colour

Foliage

Green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Ants , Birds , Chafer grubs in lawns , Dog urine , Leather jackets (European crane fly) , Moles , Worm casts on lawns

Specific diseases

Algae in grass , Dollar spot , Lichen in grass , Ophiobolus patch , Red thread (Corticium disease) , Snow mould (fusarium patch) , Toadstools and fairy rings

General care

Pruning

Mow regularly.

Propagation

Self-seeds freely. In a luxury lawn it is considered a weed. In nature, behaves as a true annual, germinating in autumn or spring.

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Poa annua (Annual meadow lawn grass) will reach a height of 0.3m and a spread of 3m after 1 year.

Suggested uses

Ground Cover, Lawn

Cultivation

Grow in most soil conditions. This lawn grass tolerates shade and regular mowing. Will yellow in dry conditions or if cut too short. In nature, behaves as a true annual, germinating in autumn or spring.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Poa annua (Annual meadow lawn grass)

Common pest name

Alfalfa dwarf; Anaheim disease; California vine disease; Dwarf disease of alfalfa; Dwarf disease of lucerne; Leaf scald of oleander; Leaf scald of plum; Leaf scorch; Phony disease of peach; Pierce's disease of grapevine; Variegated chlorosis of citrus

Scientific pest name

Xylella fastidiosa subsp. multiplex

Type

Bacterium

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

A bacterial disease with a wide host range detected in Corsica. Although EU regulated; there remains some concern about the risk of introduction. This subspecies is known to be able to thrive in cooler climates. Should an outbreak occur; there would be a need for eradication action which would result in environmental and social impacts.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/