Overview
Agrostis is a genus of around 150 species of cool-season grasses in the family Poaceae, distributed through the temperate and cooler regions of both hemispheres and on tropical mountains. The plants form tufts or spreading mats of slender, soft, narrow leaves and grow from a few inches to about 4 feet (1.2 m) tall in flower, depending on species. Many species spread by creeping stolons or rhizomes to form dense turf, while others grow in discrete clumps. In summer the stems carry airy, open, branched flower heads of tiny spikelets that give the grasses a soft, hazy look. Several species are grown as turf grasses: A. stolonifera, creeping bent, and A. capillaris, colonial bent, are used on golf greens and close-cut lawns, where they tolerate frequent low mowing. Bentgrass turf needs careful management, with regular mowing, watering, and feeding, and it can invade other lawn grasses as a weed where it is not wanted. Other species grow wild in meadows, heaths, and wetlands, and a few are weedy in gardens and crops. The slender-leaved texture suits specialist lawns but demands more upkeep than coarser turf grasses.
Native Range
Agrostis is widespread through the temperate and cool regions of both hemispheres, with many species native to Europe, Asia, and North America and others in cooler parts of the Southern Hemisphere. The turf species A. stolonifera and A. capillaris originate in Europe and Asia and are now grown worldwide.Suggested Uses
Grown chiefly as turf for golf greens, bowling greens, and close-cut lawns where a dense, low surface is wanted and intensive upkeep is possible. Some species are used in meadow and amenity seed mixes and for erosion control on cool, moist ground. Wild bentgrasses form part of natural grassland and wetland communities.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 4'
Width/Spread6" - 2'
Bloom Information
The flower heads, which in grasses take the place of bloom, appear in summer, roughly June to August. Each open, branched head carries large numbers of tiny spikelets that release wind-borne pollen. Turf bentgrasses are usually mown before they flower.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
greenish to purplishFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
