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Annual Biennial

Poa annua

annual meadow grass

A low-growing, annual or occasionally perennial coarse grass, with light green leaf blades growing horizontally from a central point, and shallow, fibrous roots. It colonises bare ground and produces pale, pyramid-shaped panicles of flowers that seed prolifically from early spring to autumn, usually dying off after seeding.

Other common names
annual meadow grass
causeway grass
see morelow spear grass
Suffolk grass
common meadow grass
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained, Well–drained
pH
Neutral, Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Brown
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Poaceae
Native to the UK
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted
Genus

Poa can be annual or perennial grasses forming clumps of linear leaves and open flowering panicles in summer

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows well in moist conditions on any soil that isn't too acidic. In lawns, lightly raking before mowing will lift the stems for cutting. See advice on coarse grasses in lawns for more detail.

Propagation

Propagate by seed, produced prolifically throughout the growing season. In temperate climates seeds germinate in late summer and autumn, and the plant overwinters to flower in spring. Seeds can remain viable in the soil for at least four years

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

Seedlings are shallow rooted and may be removed by hoeing on bare soil

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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