How to Identify Grass Blades

Pick a new grass leaf blade, which grows from the center of the shoot, and roll it between your thumb and index finger to determine the vernation (leaf arrangement). If the blade spins easily, it has a rolled vernation, but if it is difficult to roll, it has a folded vernation.

Inspect the tip of a mature leaf blade and record whether it has a rounded or pointed shape. Further, look at the body of the grass blade and write down its form, such as whether the leaf is twisted or constricted at the base.

Look at the blade's ligule, which is the area where the leaf blade meets the sheath, to record how this appendage grows. If the grass blade has growth in this area, note whether the ligule is clear tissue or if it is composed of little hairs.

Check the surface of the grass blade. Record whether the leaf is smooth, hairy or has numerous horizontal indentations.

Point your browser to the Purdue University "Turfgrass Identification Tool" page to submit your notes (see Resources). Click on the pictures that match your findings and then click the "Next" button to continue. Click the "View Results" button, and then go through the results that automatically appear to identify your grass blade.