Anatomy & Function
This turfgrass structure physically supports the leaf blade by enclosing the stem.
What is the leaf sheath?
This stem region lies between two points where leaves or tillers emerge.
What is an internode?
This type of root system allows turfgrass to quickly absorb water and nutrients near the soil surface.
What is a fibrous root system?
In this region, turf managers often rely on overseeding or species with moderate tolerance to both heat and
What is the transition zone?
These grasses form sod by spreading horizontally through stems above and/or below ground.
What are sod-forming grasses?
If photosynthesis were interrupted in this structure, turfgrass growth would quickly decline.
What is the leaf blade?
Tillers, leaves, and lateral growth structures originate from this location on the stem.
What is a node?
This root characteristics classifies turfgrasses as monocots
What are fibrous roots?
These grasses thrive in high temperatures and become dormant during cold conditions
What are warm-season grasses?
These grasses increase density mainly through tiller production rather than lateral spread.
What are bunch-type (clump-type) grasses?
This structure enables turfgrass regrowth after mowing by protecting the growth zone at the base of the leaf.
What is the collar?
This growth structure allows turfgrass to spread across the soil surface and root at nodes.
What is a stolon?
This root structure is never found on turfgrass, even in mature plants.
What is a taproot?
Name the 4 warm-season grasses
centipede, zoyzia, bermuda, St. Augustine
Identify the growth habit of Kentucky bluegrass based on its method of spread.
What is spreading by rhizomes?
Damage to this structure prevents turfgrass recovery because it contains stored energy and the primary
What is the crown?
This stem structure contributes to turf recovery by spreading underground and producing new shoots.
What is a rhizome?
Rhizomes and stolons are not roots, but are.....
underground and aboveground stems
These grasses reach peak growth during spring and fall and decline under summer heat stress.
What are cool-season grasses?
Match the grass to its growth habit: Bermudagrass.
What is spreading by stolons and rhizomes?
Explain why turfgrass can recover from leaf blade injury but not from injury to this structure.
What is the crown?
A turfgrass species spreading both above and below ground relies on these two structures working together.
What are stolons and rhizomes?
These three substances are absorbed by turfgrass roots and are critical for respiration and growth.
What are water, oxygen, and nutrients?
Name the 6 cool season grasses
Perennial Ryegrass, Annual Ryegrass, Kentucky Blue, Tall Fescue, Fine Fescue, Bentgrass
Name all grasses that rely primarily on tillering to thicken turf stands.
Perennial Ryegrass, Annual Ryegrass, Tall Fescue, Fine Fescue