The grass is vegetation that belongs to the family of Gramineae. This widespread plant has different types, each one with its peculiarities and applications. Grass can be used for decoration, pet food, or lawns in parks and gardens. In this article, we will show you five types of grasses that can be found around us.
KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS (Poa pratensis)
It is popularly known as Bluegrass or “cool-season turf” due to its pale blue color. This type of grass can be found in the United States, Northern Africa, and Eurasia. It is used to feed livestock since it tolerates more intensive grazing compared with other types of grass. It is known for its high nutritional value, resistance, and good taste.
While it may be beautiful to look at once established, Kentucky bluegrass requires more maintenance than most other types of lawns because it needs more water and fertilizing than many other types of grasses.
In addition, this type of grass often requires reseeding in the spring.
BENT GRASS (Agrostis)
This is another commonly used turf for lawns and sports activities due to its ability to withstand wear and tear. Bentgrass has a soft texture and tiny leaves. It can be found in mixed lawns or on its own.
Due to the particularities of bentgrass- like its slow growth and need for meticulous maintenance- it is only used on golf courses and sports facilities such as athletic fields, stadiums, and tracks.
It must be mowed regularly; bentgrass will become spongy and difficult to manage if you let the height grow too high.
It also requires a lot of fertilization and water to grow, so it is not the best type of grass for lawns in hot climates. This type of grass looks its best when maintained at a height between 1/4″-1/2″.
ST. AUGUSTINE GRASS (Stenotaphrum secundatum)
St. Augustine grass is a type of grass found in the south of the United States, Argentina, Brazil, and sub-Saharan Africa. This type of grass is suitable for warm climates since it tolerates high temperatures, humidity, and drought better than other grasses. Once established, St. Augustine requires little maintenance, but it is susceptible to diseases and damage from pests such as chinch bugs and mole crickets.
This type of grass is also very tall and needs regular cutting to remain attractive and healthy. Depending on the desired look, it can be mowed at a height between 1/4″-1/2″ every week or two.
ORCHID GRASS (Phalaris)
This type of grass is also known as “Rabbit’s grass” or “Deer grass.” It can be found in the Northern Hemisphere, and it thrives in moist soil. Orchid Grass has a skinny blade and grows well between sand and gravel. While this type of grass requires more maintenance than others, it is very durable and resistant to pests.
Orchid Grass is usually cut at the height of 1/4″ once or twice per year, depending on the desired look.
BAMBOO GRASS (Chusquea)
This type of grass can be found in Central American countries such as Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama. Bamboo grass grows in clumps that form striking bamboo-like canes or poles, highly decorative for gardens or parks.
Since it is tall grass, bamboo grass requires regular maintenance to keep the plants from covering paths and other plants while also meeting aesthetic criteria for height and color.
