Inland Bluegrass: A Native Grass Worth Getting to Know
If you’re looking to add authentic native character to your landscape, inland bluegrass (Poa nemoralis interior) might just be the unsung hero your garden needs. This perennial grass brings subtle beauty and ecological value to spaces where other grasses might struggle.
What Makes Inland Bluegrass Special?
Inland bluegrass is a true North American native, calling home to an impressive range that spans from Alaska down through Canada and across much of the lower 48 states. You’ll find this adaptable grass thriving everywhere from Alberta and British Columbia to states as diverse as Arizona, Tennessee, and Vermont. It’s also known by its scientific synonyms Poa interior and Poa nemoralis var. interior, but don’t let the fancy names intimidate you.
As a member of the grass family, inland bluegrass brings that fine-textured, graceful look that only true grasses can provide. Its perennial nature means once you plant it, you can enjoy its presence year after year without the fuss of replanting.
Where Does Inland Bluegrass Shine in Your Garden?
This grass is particularly valuable for gardeners dealing with challenging growing conditions. Its facultative wetland status means it’s incredibly flexible – equally happy in areas that occasionally flood and in drier upland sites. This adaptability makes it perfect for:
- Naturalized meadow gardens
- Woodland understory plantings
- Rain gardens and bioswales
- Native plant restoration projects
- Low-maintenance groundcover areas
Growing Inland Bluegrass Successfully
The beauty of working with native plants like inland bluegrass is that they’re already adapted to your local conditions. This cool-season grass prefers the shoulder seasons of spring and fall for its most active growth, making it a great complement to warm-season native plants.
Based on its natural distribution, inland bluegrass likely thrives in USDA hardiness zones 2 through 7, making it suitable for gardeners dealing with everything from harsh northern winters to more moderate climates.
Care and Maintenance
One of inland bluegrass’s best qualities is its low-maintenance nature. Once established, this native grass typically requires minimal intervention. It’s particularly well-suited for gardeners who prefer a more naturalistic approach to landscaping rather than high-input turf management.
Wildlife and Ecological Benefits
While inland bluegrass may not be a showy pollinator magnet like native wildflowers, it plays important ecological roles. As a native grass, it provides habitat structure, helps prevent soil erosion, and contributes to the complex web of native plant communities that support local wildlife.
Is Inland Bluegrass Right for Your Garden?
Consider inland bluegrass if you’re looking to:
- Support native plant communities in your landscape
- Add fine-textured groundcover to challenging sites
- Create naturalistic plantings that require minimal maintenance
- Establish vegetation in areas with variable moisture conditions
While it may not be the most dramatic addition to your garden, inland bluegrass offers the quiet satisfaction that comes with growing plants perfectly suited to your local environment. Sometimes the best garden additions are the ones that simply belong – and this native grass definitely fits that bill.
