upland bentgrass
Family
PoaceaeScientific Name
Agrostis perennansOther Common Names:
autumn bentgrass
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Agrostis altissima
Agrostis oreophila
Agrostis schweinitzii
Agrostis elata
Cornucopiae perennans
Habit
It can grow similar to creeping bentgrass if mown, but is typically found in a looser and more upright growth habit. This species can reach 30 inches in height. It can also survive in shady and sunny environments
Leaves
The leaves are grayish green or bluish green, and can grow 2 to 10 inches long and be 1 to 6 mm in width. The leaves are also flat and hairless.These leaves are much longer than creeping bentgrass leaves.
Identifying Characteristics
Upland bentgrass has grayish to bluish green color on leaves and sheaths. It has a tall ligule similar to creeping bentgrass. The entire plant is hairless, and has an upright growth habit reaching an approximate height of 2 1/2 ft.
Flower Seed Head
It is a loose panicle that can be 2 to 10 inches tall
Seed Fruit
The plant typically produces seed in late summer to early fall. The seed are light green which are elliptic in shape and 1 to 2 mm long.
Where Found
It tolerates many environmental conditions including sunny or half-shade, moist to dry conditions, and multiple soil types; can be found in multiple woodland environments, rocky terrain, compacted/worn areas. It is native to most of the eastern half of the United States and also found on the west coast.
Leaf Hair on Upper Surface
no hairs
Leaf Arrangement
rolled in bud
Mature Leaf Width
Varies:
less than 5 mm,
6 to 15 mm
Stem
round
Seedhead
panicle
Life Cycle
perennial
Auricle
not present
Ligule
membrane
Ligule Length
Varies:
1-2 mm,
2-3 mm,
more than 3 mm
Plant Type
Grass