Poa alpigena

Common Names

Pohjannurmikka, Alpine Bluegrass, Augstkalnu Skarene, Mäginurmikas

Summary

Alpine meadow-grass is a perennial grass native to northern regions of Europe, Asia, and North Africa, growing as a mat-forming graminoid with extensive rhizomes and aerial shoots 5–40 cm tall. Distinctive features include a curved underground stem; glabrous basal leaves; a panicle 4–12 cm long with spikelets 4–6(7) × 2–2.5(3) mm; and cottony hairs at the base of the lemmas with pubescent paleas; it occurs in alpine meadows, wet slopes, and bogs, with seed production present but mainly spread vegetatively by rhizomes; some subspecies show vivipary or agamospermy in Svalbard.

It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils, tolerating wide moisture and soil pH ranges. Propagation is by division or seed (seed sown in spring; division in spring or fall); common uses include ornamental planting in gardens and parks, forage for livestock, and cover crops in agricultural fields.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-16 inches

Spread

12-24 inches

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained, deep, loose soil with pH 6.0–7.0.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging

Soil pH

6.0–7.0, Indifferent to soil pH, broad tolerance from acidic to basic substrates

Bloom Color

White, Violet

Bloom Time

Late spring to early summer

Foliage Color

Green

Growth Rate

Moderate growth rate.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Cuttings, Rhizomes (short rhizomes), Bulbils/vivipary, Pseudo-vivipary, Cleistogamy

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts deer, rabbits, and squirrels