This NebGuide describes 12 species of cool season turfgrasses and the recommended cultivars which are best adapted to Nebraska. They grow most actively in the spring and fall, with growth slowing in summer. More than 20 cool season species are used for turf throughout the world. Nebraska's climate is moderately conducive to cool season turfgrass species growth. The 12 species best adapted to Nebraska and some of the recommended cultivars are described below.
Kentucky bluegrass is the most widely used turfgrass species in Nebraska.
It forms a dense, medium-textured high quality turf when grown in open sunlight. Cultivars of Kentucky bluegrass are quite variable in texture, color, shoot density, growth habit, disease resistance, adaptation, and cultural requirements. It is this variability that most likely has led to the widespread acceptance and use of Kentucky bluegrass as a turfgrass species. Kentucky bluegrass is adapted to a wide climatic region which includes arid states like Nebraska. In Nebraska it requires supplemental irrigation.