Rough Bentgrass
Agrostis scabra
Also known as: Thermal Bent
- Native to:
- Canada, China, Greenland, Japan, Korea, Kuril Is., Labrador, Mexico, Prince Edward I., Russia, United States
Matt Lavin (www.flickr.com)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Agrostis
- Species:
- Agrostis scabra
- USDA Symbol:
- AGSC5
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 80 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Sandhill Skipper (Polites sabuleti)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fall Color:
- tan, golden-brown
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts readily after fire from rhizomes and crown. Often increases in abundance in early post-fire succession in open woodlands and grasslands.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 7.5 (acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- commonly found in disturbed areas and open woods
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily at surface or shallow depth with light exposure. No cold stratification required.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Seeds placed in 32-34°F for 10-day cold stratification treatment and then exposed to 72-77°F.
Establishment: Wildland collection occurs mid August to early September. Fertilizer application is not recommended the first year, as it generally stimulates weed growth and competition.
Source: npn.rngr.net