2 J ASSOCIATED SEEDIGRO Wilms anes 
LAWN GRASSES 
Of the many different species of grasses, only a few are suitable for use in turf. 
Those commonly used in seed mixtures may be classified as basic (or permanent) 
grasses and nurse grasses, with a third group of other grasses much less fre- 
quently used. 
Basic Grasses 
The plants in this group, if once established and given reasonable care, will remain 
in the lawn indefinitely. A few of the more common species, with some of their 
distinguishing features, are: 
Kentucky Bluegrass Poa pratensis: Aggressive on favorable soil, spreading rapidly 
by rhizomes (underground creeping stems). Produces dense, tough sod when cut 
regularly to a height of one and one-half to two inches; does fairly well in shade. 
Will fill in when the sod is injured, even when kept in constant use, and is not easily 
damaged by high temperatures or prolonged drought. Gives best results on fairly 
fertile soil, slightly acid to neutral in reaction; starts growth early in spring and 
continues into late fall. Seeds per pound: 2,400,000. 
Canada Bluegrass Poa compressa: Spreads by underground stems as does Kentucky 
Bluegrass. Should be used only on dry and infertile soils; elsewhere produces an 
open and unsatisfactory turf. Seeds per pound: 2,400,000. 
Rough-stalk Meadow Grass Poa trivialis: Well adapted to shade where the soil is 
fertile, neutral to mildly acid, and well watered. Stems and leaf sheaths rough to 
the touch. Seeds per pound: 2,285,000. 
Colonial Bent, Agrostis tenuis: Spreads by underground rhizomes and some surface 
stolons. Not so drought tolerant as Kentucky Bluegrass and requires warmer tem- 
perature to initiate growth. Will tolerate acid soils but does better when the acidity 
has been corrected; does not thrive in shade. Desirable for lawns and other closely 
mowed areas. Seeds per pound: 7,000,000. 
Seaside Bent Agrostis palustris: Spreads very rapidly by surface creeping stolons 
which root at the nodes. On closely mowed turf, such as golf greens, where top- 
dressing is possible, it is very satisfactory, but in ordinary lawns the mass of stolons 
accumulates so greatly that an unhealthy condition results. Does best on fertile soil 
with moderate acidity and good water holding capacity; is not suited to shade. Seeds 
per pound: 4,000,000. 
Velvet Bent Agrostis canina: Is likely to be more widely used when better known, 
since it can be cut short as on golf greens, is tolerant of heavy shade, is drought 
resistant, and will withstand heat and cold. Seeds per pound: 10,000,000. 
Chewing’s Fescue Festuca rubra var. commutata: Spreads very slowly; consequently 
is slow to heal injuries. The blades are fine but tough, which adds considerably to 
the wearing quality of its turf. Is shade tolerant and will do well on acid, sandy, 
droughty and infertile soil, but is not tolerant of moist soil. A desirable grass in 
mixtures for terraces or steep slopes and in mixtures for shady places. Seeds per 
pound: 600,000. 
Red Fescue (Creeping Red Rescue) Festuca rubra: Hardy and adaptable, tolerant 
of shade and capable of forming turf even on rather acid soil. Fine-leaved and wiry, 
giving good wearing qualities. Spreads by underground runners and is a finely- 
textured grass in mixtures. Seeds per pound: 600,000. 
Nurse Grasses 
Grasses in this group germinate speedily, produce a quick growth that protects the 
soil from washing, furnish shade to seedlings of the slower-growing grasses, and 
give an early green effect to the seeded area. 
Red Top Agrostis alba: Rarely lives more than three years on turf kept at lawn height, 
becomes quite coarse during the second year, and alone makes a very undesirable 
