What type of growth does annual bluegrass exhibit?

Annual bluegrass is characterized by clumpy growth with a tendency to die back in the spring. This type of grass forms tufts or clumps rather than spreading uniformly across a large area. Its growth habit allows it to occupy space but does not promote extensive outward spread like some other grass types. The die-back in spring is particularly notable as it typically responds to changes in temperature, causing sections of the grass to decline as environmental conditions shift.

In contrast, the other options describe growth habits that do not align with the characteristics of annual bluegrass. Spreading grasses tend to cover larger areas consistently, while dense thickets suggest a thick mass of growth that is not typical of annual bluegrass. Furthermore, growth with upright thick stems does not accurately represent the nature of annual bluegrass, which has a softer texture and does not develop thick stems in the same manner. Understanding these growth patterns is crucial for proper lawn and landscape management.