Which one(s) of these has, or have, a spreading growth habit?

• A. Kentucky Bluegrass
• B. Bermudagrass
• C. Tall Fescue
• D. Fine Leaf Fescues

Answer: (A)

Spreading growth habit means the plant extends horizontally to colonize nearby areas, not just form tight clumps. Kentucky bluegrass does this by producing underground rhizomes that creep away from the main plant and send up new shoots in adjacent spots. Over time this rhizome network fills gaps and creates a more continuous turf.

Tall fescue and fine-leaf fescues are typically bunch-forming, meaning they grow upward from the crown without much horizontal spreading, so they don’t extend into nearby areas as readily. Bermudagrass also spreads, but mainly through above- and below-ground runners and is known for rapid, aggressive spread; in this list Kentucky bluegrass is the classic example of spreading via rhizomes.