Spike Bentgrass
Agrostis exarata
Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA NRCS. 1992. Western wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. West Region, Sacramento, CA.
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Agrostis
- Species:
- Agrostis exarata
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 4-6 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr, may
- Bloom Colors:
- Yellow
Native Range
United States: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kentucky, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wyoming, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, Yukon
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, well-drained loamy or clay soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in wet meadows and along streambanks
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: None required
Establishment: The plant is native from Alaska to South Dakota and south to California, Texas and Mexico. It occurs in a wide variety of habitats including forest openings, grasslands, meadows, marshes, and stream and lake margins from sea level to alpine zones. It is most commonly found in moist, open, disturbed places, but is also found in dry habitats such as semi-arid grasslands.
Source: npn.rngr.net