What Kind of Grass Do I Have?
Several factors determine the type of grass in your lawn, including your location in the U.S., grass blade width and texture, as well as its color and growth rate. Oregon State University even identifies 1,400 species of grasses in the United States, which makes it difficult to answer the question, “How do I find out what kind of grass I have?”
If you want to know what kind of grass you have, you've come to the right place. Our team of writers at Mowrator has put together this guide to help you understand the kind of grass you have and how knowing your grass type can help you with lawn care.
Key Takeaways
- Grass type can be identified by the blade width, texture, growth rate, and color.
- Common varieties of grass include Kentucky Bluegrass, Bermudagrass, and Tall Fescue.
- Cool-season grasses thrive in temperatures between 60 ℉ and 75 ℉, whereas warm-season grasses prefer 80 ℉ to 95 ℉ and have deeper root systems for nutrient absorption.
- Regional climate significantly impacts grass type, with states like Georgia favoring Bermudagrass and Florida preferring St. Augustinegrass.
How to Identify the Type of Grass You Have
You can identify the type of grass you have based on its blade width, blade texture, growth rate, and color. While it takes a practiced eye or a refined app to identify your grass comfortably, here are some important ways to distinguish and identify your lawn grass.
Blade Width and Texture
The blade width and texture of grass can help you learn how to identify your grass type. Grass blades typically range from 1/8 to 1/2 inch wide (3.175 to 12.7 mm wide). Use the table below to help you know the type of grass when you look at your lawn.
| Grass Type | Blade Width | Blade Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Fescue | Less than 1/8 inch (3.175 mm) | Fine, needle-like |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | ≈ 1/4 inch | Medium to fine |
| Tall Fescue | 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6.35 to 12.7 mm) | Coarse, broad |
| Perennial Ryegrass | ≈ 1/4 inch | Medium |
| Bermuda Grass | 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3.175 to 6.35 mm) | Fine to medium |
| Zoysia Grass | ≈ 3/16 inch (4.7 mm) | Medium |
| St. Augustinegrass | ≈ 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) | Broad, flat |
Growth Rate
A grass seed's growth rate, or germination speed, helps tell what kind of lawn grass you have. Assessing the growth habit of your seed head may take several days to measure, but it's an excellent method to use in your grass identification process.
| Grass Type | Growth Rate |
|---|---|
| Fine Fescue | Germinates in 7 to 14 days; slow to moderate growth |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | Germinates in 14 to 30 days; moderate growth |
| Tall Fescue | Germinates in 7 to 12 days; moderate to fast growth |
| Perennial Ryegrass | Germinates in 5 to 10 days; fast growth |
| Bermuda Grass | Germinates in 7 to 14 days; fast growth |
| Zoysia Grass | Germinates in 14 to 21 days; slow to moderate growth |
| St. Augustinegrass | Grows rapidly during warm months; moderate growth |
Color
Your grass color can also help with identification. Determining the type of lawn grass based on its color can be difficult as the color of common lawn grass can change significantly based on its health, stage in its lifecycle, and how much light the environment has. Nevertheless, we've included the primary colors of different grass species below.
| Grass Type | Color |
|---|---|
| Fine Fescue | Medium green to blue-green |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | Dark green |
| Tall Fescue | Dark green |
| Perennial Ryegrass | Bright green |
| Bermuda Grass | Dark green |
| Zoysia Grass | Light to emerald green |
| St. Augustinegrass | Blue-green |
What is the Difference Between Cool-Season and Warm-Season Grasses?
Cool-season and warm-season grasses differ primarily in their climate and the temperature in which they thrive. Cool-season grasses tolerate colder temperatures, usually between 60 ℉ and 75 ℉ (≈ 15 to 24 °C). When temperatures exceed 85 ℉ (29 °C), cool-season grasses turn dormant until the weather cools. A cool-season lawn resists drought and establishes quickly. This makes cool-season grass a sustainable lawn option for cold temperatures and low rainfall.
In contrast, a warm-season lawn grows best in warmer temperatures between 80 ℉ and 95 ℉ (≈ 26 to 35 °C), maintaining its green color even during the hot summer. Warm-season grasses develop more extensive root systems than cool-season grasses that absorb more nutrients during summer. However, warm-season grasses take longer to establish and have a very low shade tolerance.
Regional Grass Types Across the USA
The region where you live in the U.S. plays a significant part in helping you know what kind of grass you have. We've listed the most common grass types in a few of the most searched states below.
| State | Most Common Grass Types |
|---|---|
| What kind of grass do I have in Georgia? | Bermudagrass, Zoysia Grass, St. Augustinegrass |
| What kind of grass do I have in Florida? | St. Augustinegrass, Bahia Grass, Zoysia Grass |
| What kind of grass do I have in Illinois? | Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue |
| What kind of grass do I have in Massachusetts? | Kentucky Bluegrass, Fine Fescue |
| What kind of grass do I have in Michigan? | Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass |
| What kind of grass do I have in Ohio? | Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue |
| What kind of grass do I have in Wisconsin? | Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass |
| What kind of grass do I have in Utah? | Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass |
| What kind of grass do I have in Texas? | Bermuda Grass, Zoysia Grass |
Once you've answered the question, “What kind of lawn grass do I have?” it's time to find a lawn mower to cut it. Mowrator's S1 Remote Control Lawn Mower 4WD combines the power of a riding mower with the ease of a robot lawn mower. Whether you’re mowing Bermudagrass or Kentucky Bluegrass, our remote-controlled lawn mower can mow it all! Shop today.
FAQs on What Kind of Grass do I Have?
What is the most common grass?
The most common grass in the United States is perennial ryegrass. This ryegrass is particularly prevalent in lawns across the UK and the US due to its rapid growth and resilience. However, if we're looking at the most common grass in the world, meadowgrass is often cited as one of the most common types of grass.
What kind of grass is best for pasture?
For pastures, tall fescue is the best kind of grass due to its adaptability to various soil types, particularly wet and acidic soils, and its ability to withstand heavy grazing. Additionally, ryegrass, especially perennial varieties, is favored for its high digestibility and nutrient content, making it suitable for beef and dairy cattle.
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