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northern bentgrass

Scientific Name: Agrostis mertensii

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: ME (boreal bentgrass), NY (northern bentgrass), TN

       

Northern Bentgrass (Agrostis mertensii)

Bentgrass is a cool-season lawn grass known for its fine texture and suitability for creating golf-like turf, particularly in northern regions. It can be established from seeds or sod.

Considerations for Pets

  • Bentgrass is often used in lawns and golf courses, potentially exposing pets to treated areas.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Agrostis mertensii
  • Common Names: Northern bentgrass, arctic bentgrass, Alaska bentgrass.
  • Genus: Agrostis (bent or bentgrass)
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
  • Synonyms: Agrostis borealis
  • Other Species Mentioned: Agrostis castellana (Highland bent), Agrostis castriferrei, Agrostis clavata (clubbed bentgrass, clavate bentgrass, clubbed bent, clavate bent), Agrostis palustris (Creeping Bentgrass), Agrostis canina (Velvet Bentgrass), Agrostis aequivalvis.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Northern bentgrass is a circumboreal species.
  • In New England, it is primarily found in the northern parts of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont at high elevations.
  • Originates from Eurasia and Northern Africa.
  • Also found in Northern California.

Ecological Role

  • Creeping bentgrass can start growth in lawns, waterways, pastures, meadows, and natural plant communities.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Bentgrass is a cool-season grass.
  • Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris) is a perennial.
  • Reed Bentgrass is a perennial.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Creeping bentgrass (CBG) is susceptible to various fungal pathogens.

Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Discover Life
  • Dave's Garden
  • NYNHP Conservation Guide