Agrostis
( ag - ROSS - tiss )
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At-A-Glance InformationAgrostis, commonly called Bent-Grass, is a perennial grass that does best where summers are cooler. Plants will need full sun and regular to ample amounts of water to perform well. This grass makes a great lawn, but in hot weather can succumb to fungal diseases.
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Agrostis Species and Varietals
The genus Agrostis is a member of the plant family Poaceae, and includes between 150 and 220 species. Agrostis grows best in zones 1-10 and 14-24. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Agrostis blasdalei (Blasdale's Bent Grass) Endemic to coastal Northern California, this species of bent grass prefers to grow in habitats like dunes and bluffs. Tufts of foliage reach up to a foot tall. Foliage is green, and flowers are borne in inflorescences of tiny spikelets. |
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Agrostis canina (Velvety Bentgrass, Brown Bent, Velvet Bent) This species of grass forms a plant that reaches up to 30 inches tall when mature. It is in flower between the months of May and July. The species is native to most of Europe and temperate parts of Asia, extending from sea level to the alpine zone. This grass is sensitive to drought conditions, but is commonly seen in damp areas like ditches and lake margins. It is a popular lawn grass. |
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Agrostis capillaris (Common Bent, Colonial Bent, Browntop) This species is native to Eurasia, and has been introduced to many areas of the globe. It typically grows in moist grasslands and open meadows, and is a pioneer of disturbed soils, roadsides, and agricultural land. Flowering panicles are finely-branched, forming a purple haze above grass from a distance. Plants reach up to around 45 inches tall when mature. |
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Agrostis castellana (Highland Bent, Dryland Bent, Dryland Browntop) These cool-season grasses are native to Macaronesia and the Mediterranean region, and have been widely introduced elsewhere. It is considered an invasive species is some places. These plants are hyperaccumulators of zinc and lead in soils. |
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Agrostis densiflora (California Bentgrass) These perennial grasses grow in tufts that reach between 4 and 34 inches tall when mature. They produce small inflorescences that are dense and cylindrical, reaching about a tenth of an inch in length. These plants are native to northern and central California, where they grow in immediate coastal habitats like dunes and bluffs. |
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Agrostis gigantea (Redtop, Black Bent) More coarse than other bent grasses, and not generally used for lawn grass. Can be used for overwintering other grasses as a 'topdressing'. These plants are native to Europe, and were historically used as pasture grasses. These grasses respond well to fires. Foliage is dull green. |
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Agrostis pallens (San Diego Bent Grass, Seashore Bent) Fine-textured and native to the western United States. Great for planting in meadows; has a steady, fast, even growth with a good tolerance for shaded areas. |
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Agrostis scabra (Hair Grass, Rough Bent, Rough Bent Grass, Winter Bent Grass, Ticklegrass) Native to Asia and North America, these plants are considered tumbleweeds. They are known in many areas as an introduced species, and can grow in a wide variety of habitats. These bunchgrasses grow upright to 40 inches tall and have rough leaves. |
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Agrostis stolonifera (Agrostis palustris) (Creeping Bentgrass, Creeping Bent, Florin, Spreading Bent, Carpet Bentgrass) This is a high-maintenance lawn, which requires frequent mowing with a special mower. Varieties that are grown from seed include Emerald, Penncross, and Seaside. Also sold as sod in strains Congressional and Old Orchard. |
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Agrostis tenuis (Colonial Bent) Erect-growing grass, and a bit difficult to care for. This species of Agrostis has many varieties, including 'Astoria' and 'Highland', both of which are hardy and the latter of which is disease-resistant. |
Caring for Agrostis
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
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A field of thea sinensis
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Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'
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Videos
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A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 143, Agrostis
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