Poa pratensis

Smooth meadow-grass

Poa pratensis, commonly known as Kentucky bluegrass, is a widely distributed perennial grass valued globally for turfgrass production. Beyond its landscaping utility, it holds significance in traditional herbal practices. This resilient species is studied for its nutritional potential and bioactive compounds, offering interesting possibilities within the realm of ethnobotany.

  • Scientific name: Poa pratensis
  • Family: Poaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Poales. Finally, its taxonomic lineage places it in the family Poaceae and the genus Poa.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Poales WCVP
Family Poaceae WCVP
Genus Poa WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Poa pratensis, is recognized by various regional names across different languages. In Chinese, it is referred to as 草地早熟禾, while in Italian, it is called Vallarsveifgras. In Poland, the species is known as Wiechlina łąkowa, and in Russia, it is commonly called мятлик луговой. Finally, in French, the plant is identified as Pâturin des prés.
Language Common Name Source
zh 草地早熟禾 Wikidata
is Vallarsveifgras Wikidata
pl Wiechlina łąkowa Wikidata
ru мятлик луговой Wikidata
fr Pâturin des prés Wikidata
be Метлюжок лугавы Wikidata
fi niittynurmikka Wikidata
et aasnurmikas Wikidata
os Мæтатык Wikidata
cs lipnice luční Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known as Kentucky bluegrass, exhibits a specific distribution across various regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing naturally within the territories of Denmark and Finland. The species also extends its reach to the islands of Føroyar and Iceland. Furthermore, its presence is well-documented throughout the landscape of Great Britain. Together, these locations highlight the plant's prevalence in northern maritime and continental climates.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Føroyar WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Iceland WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Svalbard WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP

Chemicals

Poa pratensis has 10 reported phytochemicals identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include choline chloride, glycine betaine, histamine, monogalactosyl diacylglycerol, phosphatidic acid.

Total chemicals
10
Scientific sources
10

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
choline chloride 1 ★☆☆☆☆
glycine betaine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
histamine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
monogalactosyl diacylglycerol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
phosphatidic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
phosphatidylcholine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
phosphatidylethanolamine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
putrescine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
spermidine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
spermine 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Poa pratensis has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include salt stress.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
salt stress 1 ★☆☆☆☆