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Poa annua - L.                  
                   
Common Name Annual Meadow Grass
Family Gramineae
Synonyms
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Waste places, cultivated land, grassland etc[17].
Range Cosmopolitan, throughout the whole world, including Britain, but only on mountains in the tropics.
Edibility Rating  
Medicinal Rating  
Care
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Full sun

Summary        

Physical Characteristics        
 icon of manicon of flower
ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in).
It is hardy to zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf 12-Jan It is in flower from Feb to November, and the seeds ripen from Apr to November. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Wind, self, cleistogamous.The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.


The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil.The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. and can grow in very acid soils.
It cannot grow in the shade.It requires moist soil.



  
Habitats        
 Lawn; Meadow;
Edible Uses                                          
None known
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.



None known
Other Uses
None known
Cultivation details                                          
A very easily grown plant, it succeeds in any well-drained moderately fertile soil in a sunny position[1]. Tolerates very acid soils[1]. This plant is a very common garden weed and will not usually require cultivation. An important food plant for the caterpillars of many species of butterfly[30]. It is often found growing in close cut lawns[1]. The seed drops very readily from the plant so it is difficult to harvest[1]. This also means that the seed is spread very easily, making the plant even more difficult to eradicate[K].
                                                                                   
Propagation                                          
Seed - there should be no problem with having to sow this plant since it does the job very effectively without our help.
Expert comment                                          
 
       
Author                                          
L.
                                                                                   
Botanical References                                          
17
                                                                                   
Links / References                                          

  [K] Ken Fern Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.

[1]F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956
Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaces in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).
[17]Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles.
A very comprehensive flora, the standard reference book but it has no pictures.
[30]Carter D. Butterflies and Moths in Britain and Europe.
An excellent book on Lepidoptera, it also lists their favourite food plants.

Readers comment                                          
 
Elizabeth H.
Wed Nov 8 2006
would this be a poor choice of grass to add to an existing lawn as an overseeding?
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Subject : Poa annua  
               

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