SafePlants

Agrostis (Bentgrass)

Agrostis, commonly known as bentgrass, is a widespread genus of plants belonging to the grass family.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• Bentgrass is often found in lawns and gardens.
• It tolerates close mowing.
• Some varieties spread via stolons (above ground stems).
• It can be considered a troublesome weed grass.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Agrostis
• Common Names: Bent, Bentgrass
• Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
• Synonyms: Carpet-bentgrass, Creeping-bent, Fiorin, Redtop, Spreading-bent

Distribution and Habitat

• Agrostis is found in nearly all countries worldwide, making it a cosmopolitan genus.
• It is particularly prevalent in the New England States and the Pacific Northwest due to favorable climatic conditions.
• Ross's bentgrass has a limited range, growing only in the geyser basins in the Firehole River drainage and at Shoshone Geyser Basin in Yellowstone.

Ecological Role

• Creeping bentgrass can be considered a weed when it invades other grass species.
• There are concerns about illegal gene flow from transgenic creeping bentgrass.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Bentgrass is a cool-season grass.
• Creeping bentgrass is a low-growing, perennial grass that spreads horizontally via stolons (above ground stems).
• It is fine-textured.
• Velvet bentgrass has an upright, fine-textured surface.

Usage

• Bentgrass is widely used as turfgrass, especially on golf course putting greens, fairways, and tees, as well as lawn bowling greens and lawn tennis facilities.
• It is also used for lawns and athletic fields.
• Varieties like Highland Colonial Bentgrass and SR7150 Colonial Bentgrass are used for lawn seed.

Quirky Facts

• Since 1955, Penncross creeping bentgrass seed is still the most specified and most widely used and trusted bentgrass in the world.
• The term "bent grass" is used generically.