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Pacific bentgrass

Scientific Name: Agrostis avenacea

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Pacific Bent Grass (Agrostis avenacea)

Agrostis avenacea, commonly known as Pacific bent grass, New Zealand wind grass, fairy grass, or blown-grass, is a species of grass with a wide distribution and various uses, particularly in turf applications.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Agrostis avenacea J.F. Gmel.
  • Common Names: Pacific bent grass, New Zealand wind grass, fairy grass, blown-grass
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
  • Synonyms: Agrostis avenacea Gmelin, Agrostis palustris (formerly)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Australia, New Zealand, and other Pacific Islands.
  • Introduced to the west coast of North America.
  • Found throughout northern California and San Diego County.
  • Also present in New England.
  • Grows well in moist sites and tolerates acidic conditions.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Medium-sized perennial bunchgrass, growing up to 18 inches tall.
  • Short-lived perennial.
  • Features a diffuse, open flowering panicle.

Ecological Role

  • Classified as a weed in some regions.
  • Observed at the Big Lagoon restoration site and seasonal wetlands.

Usage

  • Used in lawns, athletic fields, and golf courses, particularly in New England and the Pacific Northwest.
  • Creeping bentgrass has been planted on putting greens for a long time in the Pacific Northwest.

Further Information

  • USDA PLANTS Database: Symbol AGAV
  • Invasive Plant Atlas
  • ARKive: Bentgrass photos and facts
  • Dave's Garden: Tips and ideas for gardens, seeds and plants.
  • Sierra Pacific Turf: Catalog of turf supplies.