Edge/ Creeping Bent-Grass

COMMON NAME: Creeping Bent-Grass

OTHER COMMON NAME(S):

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Agrostis stolonifera

FAMILY: Poaceae

COMMUNITY: Edge

STATUS: Introduced ~ Native to Europe

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: Creeping

FLOWERING TIME: Mid June to Mid September

FRUITING TIME: Late July to Mid September

DISTRIBUTION: Statewide in New Jersey

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Creeping with stolons ~ Narrow stems

GENERAL INFORMATION: Poaceae is commonly known as the grass family.  The common name “Bent-Grass refers to the characteristic of not ridged, thus is easily “bent” stems.  Creeping Bent-Grass creeps along the ground. The species, stolonifera, refers to the stolons or creeping stems on the surface of the ground.  This species is sometimes included in the species Agrostis alba.  Four or more varieties of the species have been named. Creeping Bent-Grass is found in freshwater to saline conditions in moist, open soil of watersides, marshes, and shaded woods edges. Creeping Bent-Grass is used for lawns and putting greens.  It has been cultivated for many years and hybridized with other species.  Several varieties have been hybridized.  Thus, identification is difficult and requires a complete plant specimen, plus plants in flower.