Poa annua
annual 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 grasscauseway grass
see morelow spear grass
Suffolk grass
common meadow grass
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained, Well–drainedpH
Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| 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
H7Botanical 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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.