Agrostis stolonifera aka Creeping Bentgrass

Agrostis stolonifera is considered challenging to maintain, particularly when grown as a manicured turf. It requires high maintenance inputs including frequent mowing (often to less than half an inch for golf greens), constant watering to maintain moisture, regular fertilization, topdressing, and frequent fungicide applications, especially during humid summer months. The species is susceptible to several diseases including dollar spot, brown patch, and pythium which require active management. However, in naturalistic settings or as ground cover, it establishes readily and spreads aggressively via stolons with less intensive care.

Agrostis stolonifera is remarkably adaptable regarding soil type. It thrives in well-drained loamy soils but will also grow successfully in chalk, clay, or sandy conditions. The species tolerates a wide pH range from acidic to alkaline (pH 6.0-8.0), though slightly acidic to neutral conditions are optimal. For golf course applications, sand-based growing media are commonly used to ensure good drainage while maintaining moisture. The grass also tolerates heavy or wet soils and can grow in poorly-drained conditions, making it suitable for various landscape situations.

Agrostis stolonifera can be propagated by seed or vegetatively through stolons. For seed propagation, sow at 4-10 grams per square meter (or 0.5-1 pounds per 1,000 sq ft) on prepared soil in early spring or autumn, avoiding intense summer heat. Seeds should be lightly covered and kept consistently moist until germination, which occurs at approximately 52% rate under optimal conditions. Note that establishment from seed is relatively slow. For faster establishment, stolon propagation at 5-12 bushels per 1,000 sq ft provides quicker coverage. Simply cut sections of stolons with roots and plant them in prepared soil, or separate rooted shoots from established plants.

Agrostis stolonifera is a fast-growing, mat-forming grass that spreads horizontally via stolons. Left unmowed, plants typically reach heights of 20-60 cm (8-24 inches), with prostrate stolons extending 0.4-1.0 metre. Individual plants can spread 0.5-1 metre, though the species will continue colonizing indefinitely through stolon growth. In turf applications, it is typically maintained at half an inch or less. The narrow leaf blades are 2-10 cm long and 2-5 mm wide with a fine texture. Plants reach full height in 2-5 years and form dense, carpet-like colonies that can effectively exclude other vegetation.

Agrostis stolonifera is exclusively an outdoor plant, grown in USDA hardiness zones 3-7 and RHS hardiness H7, making it extremely cold-hardy and suitable for the severest European continental climates. It is a cool-season grass that thrives in temperate regions and does well in cold winters. The species prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. Being a wetland-associated plant, it handles moist to wet conditions well, including periodic flooding. It is commonly used outdoors for golf courses, sports fields, lawns, erosion control, and as livestock forage.

Agrostis stolonifera is native to Eurasia and North Africa. Its original range encompasses temperate Europe from the British Isles to Russia, the Mediterranean region including Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, and the Balearic Islands, North Africa extending south to Chad, western Asia through the Himalayan regions, and eastern Asia including Mongolia and parts of China. The species was probably introduced to North America before 1750 and has since naturalized throughout southern Canada and most of the United States. Some northern salt marsh and lakeside populations in North America may actually be native.

Agrostis stolonifera produces flowers during summer, typically from June to August. The inflorescence is a narrow panicle reaching up to 40 cm in height with finely branched, somewhat congested structure. The spikelets are small (2-3.5 mm), often tinged with red or purple, and remain tightly closed except when actively blooming. Each spikelet contains a single floret. The flowers are inconspicuous and lack the showy petals of ornamental plants, as the species is wind-pollinated. In maintained turf, flowering is typically prevented by regular mowing.

Agrostis stolonifera is wind-pollinated (anemophilous), like most grasses in the Poaceae family. The small, inconspicuous flowers lack nectar and colorful petals because they do not need to attract insect pollinators. Instead, the plant produces abundant lightweight pollen that is carried by wind to receptive stigmas. The panicle structure with numerous small spikelets is well-adapted for releasing and capturing wind-borne pollen. In maintained turf settings, flowering and pollination rarely occur due to regular mowing.

Numerous cultivars of Agrostis stolonifera have been developed for turf applications. Older third-generation varieties from the 1990s include Penn A-4, L-93, Crenshaw, A1, G2, and G6, known for finer, denser turf. Newer 'Super Bents' offer improved disease resistance and include 007, 777, 007XL, MacKenzie, Flagstick, and Tyee. Research shows L-93 has excellent dollar spot resistance while Crenshaw is most susceptible. For heat tolerance, varieties like AU Victory, Penncross, and Declaration perform well. Choose cultivars based on your climate, disease pressures, and maintenance capabilities.

Mowing requirements for Agrostis stolonifera depend on the intended use. For golf putting greens, the grass is typically mowed to 3-4 mm (⅛ inch) or less using specialized reel mowers, often daily during the growing season. For fairways and tees, cutting heights of 10-15 mm (½ inch) are common. In home lawn settings, slightly higher heights of 15-25 mm are more practical. The species tolerates close mowing well but requires more intensive maintenance at lower heights. Regular mowing also prevents flowering and helps maintain density, as the plant responds to cutting by producing more stolons and tillers.

Agrostis stolonifera is susceptible to several fungal diseases, particularly in humid summer conditions. The three most important diseases are dollar spot (Sclerotinia homoeocarpa), brown patch (Rhizoctonia solani), and pythium blight (Pythium species). These require regular fungicide applications for management in high-quality turf settings. The species is generally pest-free according to RHS, though various insects may affect stressed turf. Disease pressure is one of the main reasons this grass requires high maintenance. Choosing disease-resistant cultivars like L-93 and maintaining proper cultural practices can reduce disease incidence.

Agrostis stolonifera has moderate to high fertility requirements, especially when maintained as fine turf. For golf greens, nitrogen applications of 2-4 kg per 100 m² annually are typical, applied in small frequent doses throughout the growing season. Home lawns require less intensive fertilization. The grass responds well to complete fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Avoid heavy nitrogen applications during hot summer weather as this can increase disease susceptibility. Light, frequent applications are preferable to heavy infrequent ones. Iron applications can enhance color without promoting excessive growth.

Agrostis stolonifera is a cool-season grass that performs best in temperate climates with moderate summers. It thrives at temperatures between 15-24°C (60-75°F) and maintains growth during cool seasons. The species is extremely cold-hardy, rated RHS H7 (hardy to -20°C/-4°F) and USDA zones 3-7. It does well in cold winters and can survive severe frosts. However, heat stress is a significant concern, particularly above 30°C (86°F), when the grass becomes susceptible to disease and may thin. In hot climates, irrigation and careful management are essential during summer months.

Agrostis stolonifera has several important uses beyond ornamental turf. Its primary commercial use is for golf course putting greens, tees, and fairways, where its fine texture and tolerance of close mowing are prized. It is also used on sports fields, bowling greens, and tennis courts. For conservation purposes, the species provides effective erosion control and streambank stabilization due to its dense root system. In agriculture, it serves as palatable forage for livestock, remaining green throughout summer. The grass also provides habitat cover for small mammals and ground-nesting birds. However, its aggressive spreading habit means it should be used carefully to avoid displacing native vegetation.

Creeping Bentgrass should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Creeping Bentgrass requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Butter Grass is always in the right place to thrive.

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.