What hardiness zones is Agrostis stolonifera suitable for?

Agrostis stolonifera is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b.

What are the sun requirements for Agrostis stolonifera?

Agrostis stolonifera requires full sun to partial shade.

How much water does Agrostis stolonifera need?

Agrostis stolonifera has moderate to high water needs.

Wild Grasses

Agrostis stolonifera

creeping bentgrass

PoaceaeEurope

At a Glance

TypeGrass

Habitlow spreading, mat-forming

Foliagedeciduous

Height1-6 inches

Widthspreads indefinitely

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3a - 9b

Zone 3a

Zone 3b

Zone 4a

Zone 4b

Zone 5a

Zone 5b

Zone 6a

Zone 6b

Zone 7a

Zone 7b

Zone 8a

Zone 8b

Zone 9a

Zone 9b

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Overview

Agrostis stolonifera is a low-growing perennial grass characterized by its fine-textured, dense turf formation and distinctive creeping growth habit. The species produces numerous above-ground stolons that spread horizontally, rooting at the nodes to form new plants and creating a thick, carpet-like lawn surface. The narrow leaf blades are typically 2-4 mm wide with a bright to medium green color, featuring a distinctive boat-shaped tip and smooth texture. The inflorescence of Agrostis stolonifera appears as an open, pyramidal panicle 4-20 cm long, bearing tiny purplish or bronze-colored florets that mature to a tan or straw color. Individual spikelets are small, typically 2-3 mm long, and contain a single floret. The plant's extensive fibrous root system, combined with its stoloniferous growth pattern, makes it exceptionally well-suited for creating dense, uniform turf surfaces that can withstand heavy foot traffic and frequent mowing.

Native Range

Agrostis stolonifera is native to Europe, western and northern Asia, and parts of northern Africa. The species naturally occurs in moist meadows, coastal areas, and disturbed soils throughout temperate regions of Eurasia, from the British Isles eastward to Siberia and southward to the Mediterranean basin.

Suggested Uses

Agrostis stolonifera works well for golf course greens, tees, and fairways due to its fine texture and ability to tolerate close mowing. It is also suitable for high-quality lawns where a premium appearance is desired, athletic fields requiring dense turf, and overseeding cool-season renovation projects. The grass excels in coastal areas and regions with cool, moist summers, making it ideal for ornamental landscapes in temperate climates.

How to Identify

Agrostis stolonifera can be identified by its characteristic above-ground stolons that spread horizontally across the soil surface, rooting at regular intervals to form new plants. The fine, narrow leaf blades with boat-shaped tips and smooth texture distinguish it from other turf grasses. Key identification features include the open, pyramidal seed panicles with tiny purplish florets, the dense mat-forming growth habit, and the ability to quickly fill in bare spots through stolon growth. Unlike bunch-type grasses, Agrostis stolonifera spreads vegetatively rather than forming distinct clumps.

Appearance

Bloom Information

late spring to early summer

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

purplish-bronze maturing to tan

Foliage Description

bright to medium green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

full sun to partial shade

Soil pH

6.0-7.5

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate to high

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

6-8 weeks for establishment

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Agrostis stolonifera requires consistent moisture and benefits from regular watering, especially during dry periods and establishment. Apply a balanced fertilizer 3-4 times per growing season to maintain vigorous growth and deep green color. The grass performs best with frequent, light watering rather than deep, infrequent irrigation. Maintain soil pH between 6.0-7.5 for optimal nutrient uptake. During hot summer months, provide additional water as Agrostis stolonifera is less heat-tolerant than some other turf grasses. Overseed thin areas in fall or early spring to maintain density.

Pruning

Agrostis stolonifera should be mowed regularly at a height of 0.25-0.75 inches for golf course applications or 0.5-1.5 inches for lawn use. Frequent mowing every 2-3 days during active growth promotes dense turf formation and prevents the grass from becoming stemmy. Remove no more than one-third of the blade length in a single mowing. During periods of stress, raise the cutting height slightly to help the grass recover. Avoid scalping, which can damage the crown and reduce the plant's ability to spread via stolons.

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Agrostis stolonifera is non-toxic to humans, pets, and livestock. As with all grasses, it is generally safe for grazing animals and poses no known health risks to children or pets who may come into contact with it during normal lawn activities.