WEED ID · WINTER ANNUAL GRASS
Annual bluegrass (Poa annua)
Also called Poa annua, winter grass
A light green winter grass that pops up in fall and makes white seedheads in spring. It leaves thin, patchy spots when it dies back.
How to spot it
- Light green tufts that stand out from dormant or darker grass
- Leaf tip is shaped like a boat bow
- Soft, fine leaf blades
- Small whitish seedheads, even in mowed grass
- Dies back in summer heat and leaves bare patches
Why it shows up
Poa annua seed sprouts when the soil cools in fall. It does best in moist, thin, or compacted turf. It makes lots of seed in spring, so it comes back each year.
How we treat it
Poa annua is a winter annual, so timing matters. We apply a pre-emergent in late summer to early fall, when the soil cools, and may add a second round in late winter. For plants already up, we spot treat with a product labeled for your grass type. Fertilizing also helps thicken the lawn.
What you can do
- Do not overwater in fall and winter. Poa annua likes wet soil.
- Mow at the right height for your grass. Avoid scalping.
- Plan ahead. Prevention in late summer works better than fixing it in spring.
WANT IT HANDLED?
Let a licensed applicator take it from here.
Tell us about your lawn. We’ll get back to you with a free quote.
Prefer to talk? 817-382-1722Licensed applicator, Texas Department of Agriculture · License #0984138