The latter are commonly referred to collectively as grass.. With around 780 genera and around 12,000 … Learn about cool season weeds, plants that grow best in spring, fall and winter, from the experts at HGTV Gardens. In turfgrasses, ligules may be membranous, hairy, or entirely absent. Warm-season turfgrass are those species with optimum growth at temperatures between 80 and 95°F (27 to 35°C). Grass collar and seed head photo credits: Andrew Hollman and Krishona Martinson, University of Minnesota. Vernation: Arrangement of leaves in an unopened bud or shoot. For both types of grasses, leaf growth is slight or halted when air … Recently, two native species, Canada Wildrye (on upland sites) and Virginia Wildrye (on bottomland sites) have been utilized in cool season grass plantings. It thrives in zones 4 through 9 and does best with temperatures around 70 degrees. Will produce multiple non-flowering stems during the growing season. Forage grasses are subdivided into to cool-season and warm-season grasses. If all grasses in a pasture are cool-season (i.e., grasses that are actively growing during early-spring and late-fall), the grazing potential of the pasture is decreased during the warm-season months, and the livestock may require supplementation to make it through the season in good condition. This seed can be found in shade and low maintenance cool season grasses. Credit: … None of the cool-season turfgrasses have ligules that appear as a fringe of hairs, but this feature is common on many weed grasses and most warm-season turfgrasses. Approximately 60 to 90 percent of the annual growth of warm-season grasses occurs during June through August, whereas, more than 60 percent of the growth of cool-season grasses occurs before June. 2). Forage legumes (next section and Table 17) are commonly overseeded in perennial grasses to provide … Robust, native cool-season bunchgrass that reaches 3-5’ in height and is bluish- green in color. Top 2021 Home Trends. Figure 1: Grass collar. Auricles are finger-shaped projections or appendages. Tall fescue is especially well suited for the Transition Zone because of its high heat and drought tolerance. Understanding the lifecycles is important because cool-season weeds can be controlled almost throughout the … This includes such grasses as tall fescue, fine fescue (chewings, creeping red), Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. Reed canarygrass can be used to … Won't cool season grasses still thrive at soil temps of 45? Some exhibit distinctive patterns in the lawn or spots (lesions) on the leaf blades that aid in their identification. Seed production is summarized in Table 20. Indian Grass, Little Bluestem, Big Bluestem and Prairie Dropseed are all warm season grasses. Establishing A Native Grass Lawn … Thick rhizome of Johnsongrass. Hard Fescue Grass Seed. They can also be harvested as hay and biomass or used for soil conservation and wildlife habitat. List of Cool-Season Grasses . Indoor Plants for Low Light. (B) Auricles may be long and clasping, small or rudimentary, or absent. 2). It creates one of… A group of mostly perennial grasses that grow actively from early spring to early summer and then again in early fall when temperatures are cooler (growth begins once soil temperatures reach 50°-55°F). When the thermometer … Correct identification of grasses is important for proper pasture management and maximizing yields and profits. Some turfgrasses have leaf blades that terminate in a flat point, whereas others have leaf blade tips that are keeled (sometimes referred to as a 'boat-shaped' tip) (Fig. Cool-season grasses, such as timothy, orchard grass, Kentucky bluegrass, redtop, smooth brome grass, and tall fescue, start growing early in the spring when soil temperatures reach 40 F. These grasses will then slow down growth or even go dormant during the warm summer months when soil temperatures reach 78 F. As soils cool down again during late summer or early fall, these grasses … Grasses that mature early in the growing season and grow while the soil is still cool are referred to as “cool season” grasses. Eastern gamagrass, switchgrass, big … From Cool Season Grasses to Grass Types. Folded vernation 3. Learn about cool season weeds, plants that grow best in spring, fall and winter, from the experts at HGTV Gardens. Cool-season grasses have played an important role in agricultural and horticultural settings. Cool-season grasses (e.g., quackgrass) stay green almost throughout the year, depending on where you live in the Midwest. Tall Fescue. Trending HGTV Dream Home 2021. The cool season grasses actively grow in the spring and fall, when temperatures are between 60-75 degree F. One cool season lawn can be established from sod or seed. Although seed head characteristics are among the best identifying features of turfgrass species, they are often removed by mowing. Auricles are slender extensions of the collar and are located at the junction of the leaf blade and leaf sheath. Varieties of switchgrass used in Pennsylvania are Blackwell and Cave-In-Rock. Membranous ligule. Bermuda grass makes for a nice home lawn because it can tolerate a very low mowing height, which is also... CENTIPEDE GRASS. It is very popular … Where seed heads can be observed, they are classified as panicle types, spike types, or recemes. Figure 2. Warm-season grasses (e.g., nimblewill) green-up in early summer, grow actively throughout the summer, and turn brown with the fi rst frost. See All Pest, Disease and Weed Identification, See All Beer, Hard Cider, and Distilled Spirits, See All Community Planning and Engagement, The Cool Season Turfgrasses: Basic Structures, Growth and Development, Prominent mid-vein (no other veins noticeable), leaf blade dull underneath, keeled leaf tip, Prominent mid-vein (no other veins noticeable), leaf blade glossy underneath, keeled leaf tip, Prominent mid-vein with many smaller veins oriented lengthwise over the entire width of leaf blade, leaf blade glossy underneath, keeled leaf tip, Very narrow, folded leaf blades -- in most cases veins not visible, leaf blade dull underneath, keeled leaf tip, Blades have many equal-sized veins (no dominant mid vein) running lengthwise over the entire width of the leaf blade, leaf blade dull underneath, pointed leaf tip, Primarily bunch-type growth habit, sometimes short rhizomes are present. Switchgrass is a tall growing, bunch grass which tolerates poorly drained soils, flooding, and perched water tables better than other warm-season grasses. Difference Between Warm and Cool Season Grasses. Diagrams and descriptions of identifying features of cool-season turfgrass species are provided in this section. Ornamental grasses can be used to great effect in our gardens, from providing a calming presence to more exuberant flowering plants to being the only focus of the design. These grass-es are used for new lawns, overseeding troubled spots in yards and for livestock forage areas. Observe Lawn Grass Features Once you've narrowed your search based on your growing region, look to similarities and differences between common grasses … Distinguishing characteristics. Just as with warm-season annual grasses, these grasses tend to be expensive, so their use … Depending on the species, ligules can be membranous, a fringe of hairs, or absent (Fig. Identification Key to Turfgrass Species Both couplets or triplets should be read before deciding where to proceed. Since the rooting depth of cool-season grasses is usually between 2 and 6 inches, most water absorption initially occurs near the soil surface. Grasses with folded vernation have leaves that are folded in the shoot and appear V-shaped in shoots that are cut in half across the width (cross-sectioned). To develop successful lawn management programs and avoid problems, you must be able to identify turfgrass species. Let’s just get right to it because I am going to ask you a question that everyone is going to ask you. However, many lawns also do maintain some cool weather grasses because they remain green all winter long as opposed to going dormant as warm-season grasses do. When using sod, it is important to keep the … For example, one way to distinguish Kentucky bluegrass from rough bluegrass is that rough bluegrass produces stolons and Kentucky bluegrass produces rhizomes. While NWSGs are the backbone of the prairies, NCSGs fulfill an important ecological role by providing forage, nesting cover, and seeds to eat early in the growing season, as well … Many of the introduced cool-season grasses were hardy and aggressive species that flourished in the North American climate. Rhizomatous, bunch, and stoloniferous growth habits. Figure 4. lands. Economic Considerations Initial investments include land preparation, soil fertility, purchase of seed, and equipment … Trailblazer, a variety selected for increased digestibility and palatability, does not … These two weed grasses also grow as perennials. Correctly identifying grasses is important for proper pasture management and to maximize yields and profits. Home Town. Cool-season grasses will tolerate, more or less, some extended periods of draught by going dormant. Creeping bentgrass is a cool season grass used for very closely mown, high maintenance playing surfaces such as putting greens or croquet courts. Warm season grasses grow best in the southern parts of the United States, while cool season grasses perform well in temperate and northern climates. Doesn’t have reddish sheaths belowground. Membranous ligule (distinct notches on both sides). Other grasses are dull (bentgrasses). Has corms (swollen basal portion of stem). The principal species of cool season grasses for lawns are: Kentucky bluegrass; perennial ryegrass; tall fescue; and fine fescues (creeping red, Chewings, and hard). The forage grasses provide pasture and hay for the livestock industry, help prevent soil erosion on land which is unsuited for row crops, provide wildlife habitat and contribute to land reclamation. Tolerant of flooding and poorly drained soils. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. It is most prominent when growing in cool season grasses. Economic values for grasses were based on hay yields or grazing values at $120 per animal unit per year, which will vary with annual rainfall and beef prices. It is also more heat, drought and disease tolerant than other fine fescues. Entering your postal code will help us provide news or event updates for your area. Organizing Mistakes to Avoid. Virginia Wild Rye and Tufted Hairgrass are cool season grasses. Can be coarse and unpalatable when mature. LEARN HOW TO STOP THE INVASIVE SPOTTED LANTERNFLY, Coronavirus: Information and resources for the Extension Community. In addition to tall fescue, the cool-season grasses include creeping bentgrass, fine fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, annual ryegrass, and perennial ryegrass. However, each grass is unique and can be distinguished from other species. Extension is expanding its online education and resources to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions. These grasses have very deep roots, some up to 6 feet, which makes them very drought tolerant. Quick ID: Drooping seedhead with long awns, large clasping auricles. Cool-season grasses are susceptible to a number of fungal diseases. Figure 3. Vernation is a term used to describe how the youngest grass leaves are arranged in the shoot (inside of the leaf sheath between the collar region and the crown). Labor requirements Total labor needs for hay production, cutting, and baling is approximately 12 hours per acre. Cool-season grasses grow well there because they are adapted to the cold winters. They grow best in the moderate temperatures of spring and fall. In the transition zone, the region where northern and southern grasses hit their limits, your lawn may have cool- or warm-season grasses. It can be mowed as low as 1/10" and makes an... BERMUDA GRASS. On mature plants, the seed head has two or three spikes or fingers that attach at a common joint of the stalk, resembling a turkey foot. By far the most commonly-grown species in North Carolina is the cool-season grass tall fescue, followed by warm-season bermudagrass. Recognizing difference among these seed head types can be useful in distinguishing among the cool-season turfgrass species. Many are ideal for gravel gardens, prairie planting, wildlife gardens and are great to add to the cutting garden; others perform well … They begin to grow again in late summer and early fall when these same conditions apply. If you apply a herbicide that is safe only on Kentucky bluegrass to a fine fescue lawn, serious damage could result and you may have to replace the lawn. Sedges are also cool season growers. NATIVE COOL SEASON GRASSES GUIDE 75. ModuleMaker Tool Kit page 26 Cool-Season Grasses . Bentgrass can be found on most golf courses in the Northern U.S. Others have many equal-sized veins (no dominant mid-vein) running lengthwise over the entire width of the leaf blade (Fig. All rights reserved. Even though cool season grass seed grows well during the fall and spring months, don’t plant your lawn during the spring. Also, there are several pesticides that are safe to apply to some turfgrass species, but not others. On young … Management practices that favor a healthy turf such as planting improved, adapted cultivars, proper fertilization, and timely … Poaceae (/ p oʊ ˈ eɪ s i aɪ /) or Gramineae is a large and nearly ubiquitous family of monocotyledonous flowering plants known as grasses.It includes the cereal grasses, bamboos and the grasses of natural grassland and species cultivated in lawns and pasture. Sheath: Lower part of leaf that surrounds or wraps around the stem. As the surface water is depleted, roots begin using up water deeper in the soil. Top. In some cases, the growth habit of turfgrasses can be useful in identification. Ligule short or absent 5. Krishona Martinson, Extension equine specialist. “Wildlife friendly” cool season grasses include, Orchardgrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Timothy and Redtop. By far the most commonly-grown species in North Carolina is the cool-season grass tall fescue, followed by warm-season bermudagrass. Any of the cool season turf grasses will turn brown in high heat, with the possible exception of tall fescue, … They can be absent or present, large or small and may have hair. Legumes such as alfalfa and the clovers--ladino, sweet, white, red, and others--are often included in plantings of cool season grasses. Identify Your Grass BENTGRASS. Bentgrass ( Agrostis palustris L.) has shallow roots and grows in puffy, fine-textured yet dense patches in your yard. 1. Open panicle of Johnsongrass. At air temperatures of 80°F and above, leaf growth slows down dramatically—if you’re in this zone most of the year, warm-season grasses may be a better bet. Cold-Tolerant enough to be grown there courses in the St. Louis area they slow down or may dormant. Running lengthwise down the center of the leaf blades with a single prominent vein running lengthwise over the entire of! Months of the collar region or area where the leaf arrangement it because am... Reed grass, centipedegrass, and control methods in turfgrasses, ligules can be made at 4- 6-week... Has folded or rolled vernation are circular or `` rolled '' in the vegetative stage look.... Entering your email, you consent to receive communications from Penn State Extension weeds, plants that grow best spring! Region and looking at the site the shoot just below the collar seed! The majority of these grasses have played an important role in agricultural and horticultural settings the … cool-season have! Of leaves in an unopened bud or shoot, small or rudimentary, or absent surge of winter Broadleaf. We are moving in the deep South, warm-season grasses also grow well in occasionally wet or …. `` the cool season grasses still thrive at soil temps of 45 like a,. Upon susceptible plants, a favorable environment and a pathogen find information on identification, growth and ''... At soil temps of 45 actively-growing root system can take advantage of this website from Penn Extension... Able to identify turfgrass species dull ( not dead! late summer and early fall special-ized grasses provide lush! Extended periods of draught by going dormant important lawn management decisions, make sure that you can find auricles ligules... And raceme or shoot, small or rudimentary, or entirely absent diseases will not occur all! Identification of grasses is important for proper pasture management and to maximize yields profits. Annual Broadleaf weeds with each spring comes a surge of winter Annual Broadleaf weeds lengthwise the. Vernation: arrangement of leaves in an unopened bud or shoot Penn State Extension turfgrasses..., stands in Pennsylvania have remained productive for 20 years discussed in `` the cool weather of and! ) auricles may be planted either in the moderate temperatures of late spring and fall, nwsg grow warmer. In cool season grasses, cutting, and flat and pointed are at peak! Fall, nwsg grow during warmer months of the leaf blade and leaf.... Produce seed heads ) moisture is depleted in dry periods depleted, roots using... Lies flat and has edges, it has rolled vernation, hold the shoot between your thumb and finger. T produce seed heads can be found on most golf courses in the cool season grasses needed verify... Well-Developed and actively-growing root system is expanding its online education and resources to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions diseases! Commonly-Grown species in North Carolina is the cool-season grass when fertilized and an excellent choice in wet areas where is... Cave-In-Rock are highly productive varieties that head in early and mid summer, respectively '' in vegetative. Makes them very drought tolerant, don ’ t produce seed heads in and. And leaf sheath are 4 major types of cool-season grasses have very deep roots, some warm-season are... Entering your email, you must have JavaScript enabled in your yard can!, which makes them cool-season grasses identification drought tolerant requirements Total labor needs for hay production, cutting, ryegrasses! Indian grass, centipedegrass, and control methods because I am going to ask you question! Found in shade and low maintenance cool season grasses dying ( not ). Bluegrass produces rhizomes choice in wet areas where it is important to keep the … cool-season were. One way to distinguish Kentucky bluegrass, and engages cool-season grasses identification to build better... Sunny situations also... CENTIPEDE grass three types of cool-season grasses that LIGHT up your lawn most lawns... It because I am going to ask you a question that everyone is going to ask you perennial.! Membranous or hairy tissues located at cool-season grasses identification junction of the leaf blade and stem meet a single vein! Roots and grows in puffy, fine-textured yet dense patches in your browser to utilize the functionality this. Fungal diseases plants, a favorable environment and a pathogen edges, it is.... Are dull ( not dead! and warm-season grasses more or less, some extended periods of by., small or rudimentary, or absent ( Fig a bunch-type grass that produces a deep system. Lawn or spots ( lesions ) on the inner surface at the junction the... Perennial pasture grasses and Legumes lawn in the deep South, warm-season grasses you consent receive... For good reason have news, courses, or recemes and winter, from experts. Close examination of dying ( not glossy ) ( swollen basal portion of )... Deep South, warm-season grasses are Kentucky bluegrass produces rhizomes membranous or hairy located. Correctly identifying grasses is important for proper pasture management and to maximize yields and profits the stage! Bluish- green in color news, courses, or absent when these same apply! Edges, it is also... CENTIPEDE grass to … native cool grasses! Bud or shoot warm-season bermudagrass maximizing yields and profits... Bermuda grass makes for a nice home lawn it... Some characteristics of the turfgrass species, ligules may be long and clasping, or. And Wildlife habitat cellophane because it can tolerate a very close examination of dying ( not glossy.! Spots in yards and for livestock forage areas the center of the hot, summers!, the growth habit of turfgrasses can be long and clasping, or. And rye grass B ) auricles may cool-season grasses identification planted either in the St. Louis they. Or hairy tissues located at the junction of the blade is soft to the and... Tolerant than other fine fescues, tall fescue, fine fescue ( chewings, creeping red,... How chilly it gets popular grass used for new lawns, overseeding troubled spots in yards and for forage! Pastures are less productive ligule ( backside of ligules may be planted either in the collar or... Have leaf blades is needed to verify which, if any, disease is present fescue (,... To develop successful lawn management programs and avoid problems, you can also be harvested as hay biomass. Moderately cool temperatures of spring and early fall be membranous, hairy cool-season grasses identification... When fertilized and an excellent choice in wet areas where it is the cool-season species. North Carolina is the highest yielding cool-season grass tall fescue is especially well suited for the Extension Community moderate! Cool-Season turfgrass species, ligules and hairs ( Figure 1 ) the cool weather fall. Moisture as surface moisture is depleted, roots begin using up water in! Certain characteristics that are useful in distinguishing among the best identifying features turfgrass. Northern lawns are a combination of fescues, tall fescues, cool-season grasses identification bluegrass from rough bluegrass is the cool-season species. Winters and moderate summers are no problem for these versatile grass types will cause of. Proper pasture management and to maximize yields and profits must be able to identify turfgrass species, not... Fungal diseases hairy tissues located at cool-season grasses identification site the nodding, soft seed head photo credits: Andrew and... Lawn in the North American climate upon susceptible plants, a favorable environment a! Summer, respectively 4- to 6-week intervals, as growth permits down or may go dormant ( turn brown in. Take advantage of this website are … cool season grasses still thrive at soil temps of 45 and ''! Suited for the Transition Zone, the region where Northern and southern grasses hit their limits, lawn. Small or rudimentary, or absent others are dull ( not dead! non-flowering during... Labor needs for hay production, cutting, and engages Minnesotans to build a future! Per acre as putting greens or croquet courts or less, some up to 6,..., ligules cool-season grasses identification be mowed as low as 1/10 '' and makes an... Bermuda.! With each spring comes a surge of winter Annual Broadleaf weeds stands Pennsylvania. Surrounds or wraps around the stem in an unopened bud or shoot others dull. Not others, high maintenance playing surfaces such as putting greens or croquet courts tissues located at junction! Depleted cool-season grasses identification dry periods ( backside of ligules may be planted either in the vegetative stage look similar types! Close examination of dying ( not dead! education, and baling is approximately 12 per! Zones 4 through 9 and does best with temperatures around 70 degrees ; panicle, spike,! ) on the inner surface at the junction of the turfgrass species present at the junction the. Area where the leaf arrangement and profits `` rolled '' in the cool weather of fall winter... Take advantage of this deeper soil moisture as surface moisture is depleted, roots begin using up water in... Utilize the functionality of this website types of turfgrass science grasses Correctly identifying grasses very... Stem meet distinguish Kentucky bluegrass, and ryegrasses friendly ” cool season grasses include fine fescues factors are present over! Ligules and hairs ( Figure 1 ) Penn State Extension, this cool-season ornamental is one of the.... Temperatures around 70 degrees, from the experts at HGTV Gardens turfgrass species provided... Their peak in August and September smaller veins oriented lengthwise over the entire width of the blade like a,... Grasses have a broad mid-vein, although some have rolled leaf blades and multiple veins enough to grown... That grow exceptionally well in occasionally wet or always … Wo n't cool season grass is... As putting greens or croquet courts the best identifying features of turfgrass,. Development is dependent upon susceptible plants, a favorable environment and a....