SafePlants

Mountain Bentgrass (Agrostis humilis and Agrostis variabilis)

Mountain bentgrass refers to several species of grasses, predominantly found in mountainous regions. This content explores the characteristics and distribution of these plants, primarily focusing on Agrostis humilis and Agrostis variabilis.

Considerations for Pets

• Mountain bentgrass can produce seeds.

Considerations for Children

• Mountain bentgrass can produce seeds.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Agrostis humilis, Agrostis variabilis, Agrostis rossiae, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis clavata, Agrostis exarata, Agrostis albus, Agrostis stolonifera, Agropyron cristatum
• Common Names: Mountain bentgrass, Alpine bentgrass, Variable bentgrass, Mountain redtop, Spike bentgrass, Clubbed bentgrass, Redtop bentgrass
• Synonyms: Podagrostis humilis
• Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)

Distribution and Habitat

• Mountain bentgrass species are found in the Western United States, including California and Oregon.
• They are often observed on gravelly, open slopes.
• Specific locations mentioned include the Roads End Trail #201A, Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, Killen Creek Trail #113, San Jacinto Mountain, and the Steens Mountains in southwest Oregon.

Morphological Characteristics

• Podagrostis humilis (Mountain bentgrass) is described as a smaller, tufted alpine species, typically 5-15 cm tall.
• It features fine, hair-like, short leaves, generally 1-3 cm in length.

Ecological Role

• In California, the genus Agrostis includes annual, tufted perennial, and creeping perennial species.

Further Information

• Discover Life offers pages dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Agrostis variabilis.
• NIISS (presumably the National Invasive Species Information Center) provides a species profile for Agrostis variabilis.