FloraFinder.org
Home   About Us   FAQ  
Searching   Image Use Plant Books
x
FloraFinder uses cookies only for correct operation. More info. Okay

Poa compressa L.

Canada bluegrass

KingdomPlantaePlants, but not fungi, lichens, or algae
SubkingdomTracheobiontaVascular plants—plants with a “circulatory system” for delivering water and nutrients
DivisionMagnoliophytaFlowering plants, also known as angiosperms
ClassLiliopsidaMonocots (plants with a single seed leaf); includes the lily family
SubclassCommelinidaeDayflowers and spiderworts, and several others
OrderCyperalesFlowering plants including grasses
FamilyPoaceaeGrasses (but not sedges or rushes)
GenusPoaFrom classical Greek poa (also poie or poia, “grass” or “pasture grass”
Speciescompressa“Compressed or flattened”

About plant names...

Canada bluegrass is a widespread, but introduced, North American plant.

Identification: This grass is 1-2′ (30-60 cm) high. Its culms (stems) are green or grayish blue, and relatively flat. Leaves are up to 4″ (10 cm) × ⅛″ (4.5 mm), also bluish in color. In cross section, the leaves may appear fairly flat or V-shaped, and leaf tips are shaped like the keel of a boat. Where they attach to the culm, they wrap around it for a length of about an inch. The stem tips are topped by a flowerhead that is described and drawn as sparse by some sources, and denser by others. It is about 2-5″ (5-12 cm) long and 1-2″ (2.5-5 cm) around.

Online References:

Illinois Wildflowers

Chestofbooks.com

Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

Ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov (PDF)

The USDA Forest Service's Fire Effects Information Database

CalPhotos

SEINet—the Southwest Environmental Information Network

EFloras

 

Poa compressa description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 25 May 2020.

© FloraFinder.org. All rights reserved.


 

Poa compressa (Canada bluegrass)

6/5/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton Center, Groton, Mass­a­chu­setts · ≈ 5 × 3½″ (13 × 9.2 cm) ID is uncertain

Poa compressa (Canada bluegrass)

6/5/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton Center, Groton, Mass­a­chu­setts · ≈ 17 × 12″ (44 × 29 cm) ID is uncertain

Range:

About this map...