Kentucky Bluegrass (Alpine Variety): A Hardy Native Grass for Northern Gardens
When most gardeners think of Kentucky bluegrass, they picture the classic lawn grass that carpets suburban yards across America. But there’s a lesser-known alpine variety of this familiar grass that tells a completely different story – one of rugged mountain meadows, arctic tundra, and remarkable cold tolerance.
What Makes This Grass Special?
Poa pratensis alpigena, known simply as Kentucky bluegrass, represents the wild, untamed cousin of your typical lawn grass. This perennial graminoid (that’s fancy talk for grass-like plant) has adapted to some of the harshest growing conditions on the continent. Unlike its manicured lawn counterpart, this variety has evolved to thrive in the challenging environments of high altitudes and northern latitudes.
Where Does It Call Home?
This hardy grass boasts an impressive native range that spans much of northern North America. You’ll find it naturally growing across Canada from British Columbia to Newfoundland, including Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. In the United States, its native territory includes Alaska and extends south into several northern states including Colorado, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Vermont.
This extensive distribution tells us something important: this grass is incredibly adaptable and resilient, having evolved to handle everything from coastal maritime climates to dry mountain meadows.
Should You Plant It in Your Garden?
The answer depends largely on where you live and what you’re trying to achieve. Since this is a native species throughout much of northern North America, it can be an excellent choice for gardeners within its native range who want to support local ecosystems.
However, there are some important considerations:
- Limited availability: This specific alpine variety isn’t commonly available in the nursery trade
- Specialized needs: It’s adapted to cooler climates and may not perform well in warmer regions
- Natural appearance: Don’t expect the uniform look of a traditional lawn – this grass has a more naturalistic growth pattern
Garden Design Possibilities
If you can source this native grass, it could work beautifully in:
- Native plant gardens focused on regional flora
- Naturalistic meadow plantings
- Rock gardens or alpine-themed landscapes
- Restoration projects in appropriate habitats
- Wildlife-friendly gardens that support native ecosystems
Growing Conditions and Care
While specific growing requirements for this alpine variety aren’t well-documented, we can make educated guesses based on its native habitat and distribution:
- Climate: Prefers cooler temperatures and is likely very cold-hardy
- Hardiness: Probably suitable for USDA zones 2-6, possibly extending into zone 7 in cooler microclimates
- Soil: Likely adaptable to various soil types, given its wide native range
- Moisture: Probably tolerant of both moist and moderately dry conditions
The Bottom Line
Poa pratensis alpigena represents an interesting piece of North America’s native grass heritage. While it may not be the right choice for every garden, it could be perfect for gardeners in northern regions who want to incorporate truly local native plants into their landscapes.
The biggest challenge will be finding a reliable source for this specific variety. If you’re interested in native grasses but can’t locate this particular one, consider other native grass species that are more readily available in your region.
Remember, the best native plant for your garden is one that’s actually native to your specific area and available through responsible sources. When in doubt, consult with local native plant societies or extension services for guidance on the best native grass options for your particular location.
