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Agrostis spp.

bent grass

Poaceae

Temperate and cool regions of both hemispheres

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 3–7

Overview

Agrostis spp. 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 spp. 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

Look for grasses with slender, soft leaves and airy, open, much-branched flower heads made of very small single-flowered spikelets. Creeping species spread by stolons that root at the joints to form a mat, while others stay in tufts. The tiny spikelets and open, airy seed heads distinguish bentgrasses from coarser meadow grasses.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2" - 4'

Width/Spread6" - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Summer

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 purplish

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 6.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1 year

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Bentgrasses grow in full sun to part shade in moist, fertile soil and prefer cool, humid conditions over heat and drought. The turf species form a dense, low sward but need intensive care, with frequent close mowing, regular watering, feeding, and management of thatch and disease. They are hardy across USDA zones 3-7 and struggle in hot summers, where they thin and are prone to fungal diseases. Creeping bent spreads by stolons and can move into and dominate other lawn grasses. Wild and meadow species need far less care and grow in a range of soils, including damp ground. Most species perform poorly in deep shade or very dry sites.

Pruning

Turf species are kept in condition by regular mowing at the low height suited to the lawn, along with periodic removal of thatch. Ornamental or meadow species can be cut back once in late winter before new growth begins. No other pruning is required.