Poa compressa L.

• Authority

  Gleason, Henry A. & Cronquist, Arthur J. 1991. Manual of vascular plants of northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. lxxv + 910 pp.

• Family

  Poaceae

• Scientific Name

  Poa compressa L.

• Description

  Species Description - Culms erect, 2–7 dm from long running rhizomes, not tufted, strongly flattened, 2-edged; lvs 2–4 mm wide, the cauline ones seldom over 1 dm; ligule short, mostly 1–2 mm; infl usually compact and narrow, bluish- or grayish-green, 2–8 cm, its branches usually paired, bearing spikelets to near the base; pedicels of the lateral spikelets 0.5 mm; spikelets 4–6 mm, 3–6-fld; first glume 1.7–2.4 mm, the second 1.8–2.8 mm; lemmas firm, 2–2.8 mm, with or without a small basal web, slightly pubescent on the keel and marginal veins below, the intermediate veins obscure; anthers 0.9–1.7 mm; 2n=14–56. Native of Europe, established in open, usually dry, variously acid or (along highways) alkaline soil throughout our range, to Alas., Ga., and the Pacific.

• Common Names

  Canada-bluegrass