Poa Annua: Identification and Control in Georgia
Poa annua clumps stand out in dormant lawns with their white seed heads. Learn why fall pre-emergent is your only reliable defense.
Weed profile
What Is Poa Annua (Annual Bluegrass)?
Poa annua is a winter annual grass that germinates in fall and produces distinctive white seed heads in late winter. It stands out as light green clumps in dormant bermuda and zoysia lawns.
Identification
How to Identify Poa Annua (Annual Bluegrass)
Light green clumps in dormant warm-season turf
White, fluffy seed heads visible above the mowing height
Boat-shaped leaf tips (distinctive from other grasses)
Bunch-type growth pattern
Most visible in February-March when dormant grass highlights the contrast
Commonly Confused With
Ryegrass
Ryegrass has a darker green color and glossy leaf surface. Poa annua is lighter green with a matte surface and distinctive white seed heads.
Treatment
How to Get Rid of Poa Annua (Annual Bluegrass)
Prevention
Fall pre-emergent application in September prevents germination
Avoid overseeding with ryegrass (which can mask the problem)
Maintain proper mowing height to shade soil surface
A second pre-emergent application in October reinforces the barrier
Professional Treatment
Fall pre-emergent is the primary defense. Post-emergent control in winter is difficult because poa annua is a grass, and non-selective herbicides would damage your turf. Prevention is far more effective than treatment.
DIY vs pro
Why Professional Treatment Works Better
Most homeowners don’t realize poa annua needs fall pre-emergent — the same treatment timing that prevents henbit and chickweed. Professional programs include this automatically as part of the fall treatment schedule.
Affected grasses
Grass Types Poa Annua (Annual Bluegrass) Invades
Why Attaboy
Professional Poa Annua (Annual Bluegrass) Treatment from Attaboy
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Poa Annua (Annual Bluegrass)
What are the white seed heads in my lawn?
Those are likely poa annua (annual bluegrass) seed heads. They’re most visible in late winter when your warm-season grass is still dormant.
Will poa annua damage my bermuda grass?
Poa annua competes for space but dies naturally in summer heat. The bigger issue is the patchy appearance it creates and the seeds it drops for next year.
Can I mow away the seed heads?
Mowing removes the visible seed heads but won’t prevent seeds from spreading. Poa annua produces seeds at very low heights. Fall pre-emergent is the real solution.
Related weeds
Other Weeds Active in the Same Season
Take action
Stop Poa Annua (Annual Bluegrass) Before It Takes Over
Every day you wait is another day weeds spread. Get professional weed control backed by our free re-treatment guarantee.
