Agrostis capillaris L.
Bent Grass
Common bent is a native perennial grass that spreads by both rhizomes and surface runners to form fine, even, low-growing swards. It has slender stems and narrow leaves, and in summer produces airy, finely branched flower heads that open out into a delicate purplish-brown haze before fading to a buff browntop, the source of one of its common names.
About
Common bent is a native perennial grass that spreads by both rhizomes and surface runners to form fine, even, low-growing swards. It has slender stems and narrow leaves, and in summer produces airy, finely branched flower heads that open out into a delicate purplish-brown haze before fading to a buff browntop, the source of one of its common names.
It is widespread across Britain on acid and neutral soils, thriving in old meadows, heaths, hill pastures, lawns and verges, and tolerating poorer, drier ground in good light. As a tough, fine-leaved grass it forms much of the matrix of semi-natural grassland and provides cover and seed for invertebrates and birds. It is a standard ingredient of fine lawn and amenity turf mixes and of wildflower meadow mixtures, where its modest, non-aggressive growth gives flowers room to establish rather than swamping them.
Also known as
Browntop · Browntop Bent · Colonial Bent · Colonial Bentgrass · Common Bent · Common Bent Grass · New Zealand Bent Grass · Rhode Island Bent · Waipu
Synonyms
Agrestis polymorpha · Agrostis alba · Agrostis alba aristata · Agrostis alba minor · Agrostis alba pumila · Agrostis alba stricta · Agrostis alba sylvatica · Agrostis alba vulgaris
In our seed mixes
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.