creeping bentgrass

Family

Poaceae

Scientific Name

Agrostis stolonifera

Other Common Names:

spreading bentgrass

Synonyms (former Scientific Names):

Agrostis palustris

Agrostis alba var. stolonifera

Agrostis alba var. palustris

Agrostis maritima

Habit

Plants are perennials that grow predominately in fall and spring. Plants are low growing and creep along the ground via stolons. The low growth habit makes these plants desirable for golf course putting greens and fairways. Plants become problem weeds when they invade surrounding turf such as Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue. These plants rarely produce seed under regular mowing but are moved to unwanted areas by disposed plugs for core aeration, wind-blown seed during establishment, contaminated sod, and wash of divot filler seed in surface runoff water.

Leaves

Leaves are light green, thin and short. Ligule is a tall pointed membrane and the collar region is void of hairs.

Identifying Characteristics

Creeping stolons, tall membranous ligule, and leaves are rolled in the bud

Flower Seed Head

The seedhead is an open panicle that may be greenish or purplish. Each spike has one flower

Seed Fruit

Seed are light brown and may be awnless or with short awns

Where Found

Thrives in moist areas along creek beds or lake shores. Tolerates close mowing down to 3 mm but may grow to over 8 inches tall with seedheads 12 inches tall in areas that are not mowed. Creeping bentgrass is the most common turfgrass species used for golf course putting greens in northern areas. Plants are lighter green than desirable Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue and may be weed problems in lawns, recreational areas, or golf course roughs.