Redtop
Agrostis gigantea
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, East Aegean Is., Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Korea, Kriti, Krym, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, North Caucasus, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Ukraine, Uzbekistan
Kristian Peters -- Fabelfroh 07:06, 19 August 2007 (UTC)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Agrostis
- Species:
- Agrostis gigantea
- USDA Symbol:
- AGGI2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Armyworm moth (Pseudaletia unipuncta), Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), false wainscot (Leucania pseudargyria), topiary grass-veneer (Chrysoteuchia topiaria), Trichordestra lilacina, Virginia Ctenucha (Ctenucha virginica), Zabulon Skipper (Poanes zabulon)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, fertile, well-drained loam
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Thrives in disturbed areas and wetlands
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment in moist soil at 15-20°C.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Native Seed Group (seeds)
- Ernst Seeds (seeds)
- Vermont Wildflower Farm (nursery and seeds)