Shade seed with Poa

[Dan065]

I was just looking at Preferred Seed's shade tolerant mixes and noticed one with 10% Improved Poa Trivialis. I thought this was an undesirable weed?

[Coop_V]

Incredibly undesirable lol can't imagine why you would want it.

[andy10917]

The dictionary defines a weed as "a plant that is not valued where it is growing and is usually of vigorous growth".

So, in a dark-green KBG lawn, Poa Trivialis (with its lighter color and faster growth) is a weed. In a very shady area where no other grasses will grow at all, it may be a very desirable thing to some. It all depends on the situation.

Consider this from animal science scientists:

Crabgrass is a summer annual forage that has the potential to produce a large quantity of high-quality forage during the summer months. It is a highly palatable forage that provides excellent grazing and makes top- quality hay when properly managed.

So, is crabgrass a weed, or a desirable forage for animals?

Years ago, my wife bought a tray of Ajuga as a colorful burgundy edging plant. It crept into the lawn and I had a hell of a time killing it in the lawn - so, weed or edging plant.

My wife also has a weed definition that I like - she says that the difference between "weed" and "perennial" is $8.95.

Enough on that definition-stuff. Practically, a few members tried Poa Trivialis lawns in shady areas. To the best of my knowledge, no member went beyond a season owning it.

It's also something to consider that an "improved variety" may be significantly different than its wild parent.

I myself will not be testing any Triv varieties anytime soon.

[Dan065]

Practically, a few members tried Poa Trivialis lawns in shady areas. To the best of my knowledge, no member went beyond a season owning it.

It's also something to consider that an "improved variety" may be significantly different than its wild parent.

I myself will not be testing any Triv varieties anytime soon.

The Poa Trivialis that I am battling are only in my shady areas also, so i know it does very well in the shade. I will not be testing that seed blend in my lawn anytime soon myself though.