upland bentgrass

Family

Poaceae

Scientific Name

Agrostis perennans

Other Common Names:

autumn bentgrass

Synonyms (former Scientific Names):

Agrostis elata

Agrostis oreophila

Agrostis schweinitzii

Cornucopiae perennans

Agrostis altissima

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.