Origin
Agrostis canina L. ssp. montana (Hartman) Hartman, also known as mountain bentgrass, is native to Europe and Asia.
Common Names
Mountain bentgrass is also commonly known as Alpine bentgrass, Highland bentgrass, and Grass of the mountain.
Uses
Mountain bentgrass is mainly used for ornamental purposes in landscaping and gardening due to its fine texture and low-growing habit. It is also used to stabilize the soil and control erosion on steep slopes in mountainous areas.
General Appearance
The plant is a perennial grass that grows up to 50 cm in height and has fine and narrow leaves that are smooth or slightly rough to the touch. The plant produces spike-like inflorescences that are about 10 cm long and consist of many small, light green flowers. The flowering period typically occurs in late spring or early summer. The plant prefers cool, moist conditions and is commonly found at high altitudes in the mountains.
Light Requirements
Agrostis canina L. ssp. montana requires full to partial sunlight for optimal growth and development. Although it can survive in some shade, it prefers locations with direct sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature Requirements
Agrostis canina L. ssp. montana is a cool-season grass that thrives in temperate climates. It prefers areas with a mean annual temperature range of 5-15°C (41-59°F) and can tolerate occasional frost. However, it does not grow well in extremely cold temperatures or hot weather conditions.
Soil Requirements
Agrostis canina L. ssp. montana grows best in well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH level (pH between 6.0 to 7.5). The species prefers moist soils, but it also tolerates drought conditions as long as the soil is not too dry. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, clay, and loam soil.
Cultivation
Agrostis canina L. ssp. montana (Hartman) Hartman is a cool-season perennial grass native to mountainous regions of Europe. It prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. Select an area that has full sun to partial shade for planting. This plant can be propagated through seeding or division. Seeds should be sown in early spring or fall, while division is best done in the spring.
Watering needs
Agrostis canina L. ssp. montana (Hartman) Hartman requires consistent moisture to thrive. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. In periods of drought, increase the frequency of watering.
Fertilization
Agrostis canina L. ssp. montana (Hartman) Hartman does not require fertilization if grown in nutrient-rich soil. However, for optimal growth, apply a general-purpose fertilizer during the growing season. Do not apply fertilizer during the winter dormancy period.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Agrostis canina L. ssp. montana (Hartman) Hartman. If the plant becomes too tall and leggy, cutting back to a few inches above the ground in the early spring will encourage new growth.
Propagation Methods for Agrostis canina L. ssp. montana (Hartman) Hartman
Agrostis canina L. ssp. montana (Hartman) Hartman, commonly known as mountain bentgrass, is a cool-season perennial grass that is widely distributed in temperate regions. It is grown for its turf and forage properties and is also an important component of alpine and subalpine plant communities.
Propagation of Agrostis canina L. ssp. montana can be achieved through the following methods:
Seed Propagation
Agrostis canina L. ssp. montana can be propagated by seeds, which are produced in abundance during the flowering period. The seeds are small and should be sown on a well-prepared seedbed. The seedbed should be moist, and the seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil. The best time to sow the seeds is in the fall or early spring.
Vegetative Propagation
Agrostis canina L. ssp. montana can be propagated vegetatively by division, plugs or sprigging.
- Division: Clumps of Agrostis canina can be divided into smaller pieces and replanted. The clumps should be lifted from the ground and divided into sections that have several healthy shoots with roots attached.
- Plugs: Plugs can be used to propagate Agrostis canina. Plugs are small sections of mature turf that are cut out with a cylindrical cutter. The plugs are then replanted in prepared soil at regular intervals.
- Sprigging: Sprigging involves taking small sections of the rhizomes or stolons and replanting them in prepared soil. This method is often used for repairing damaged turf.
Propagation of Agrostis canina L. ssp. montana can be challenging due to its slow growth rate, but with good management practices and proper care, it can be very rewarding.
Disease Management
Agrostis canina L. ssp. montana (Hartman) Hartman is affected by several diseases such as:
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that affects Agrostis canina L. ssp. montana. Symptoms of leaf spot include small, circular, and brownish-black spots on the leaves. The affected leaves may turn yellow, dry out, and fall off. To manage this disease, remove and dispose of infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
- Rust: Rust is another fungal disease that affects Agrostis canina L. ssp. montana. Symptoms of rust include yellow to reddish-brown powdery pustules on the leaves. This disease can also cause premature leaf fall. To manage rust, remove and dispose of infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and use fungicides.
- Pythium Root Rot: Pythium root rot is a soil-borne disease that affects the roots of Agrostis canina L. ssp. montana. Symptoms of Pythium root rot include stunted growth, yellowing, and wilting of the plant. To manage Pythium root rot, avoid overwatering, plant in well-draining soil, and use fungicides.
Pest Management
Agrostis canina L. ssp. montana (Hartman) Hartman is also affected by several pests such as:
- Cutworms: Cutworms are the larvae of several species of moths. These pests feed on the stems of Agrostis canina L. ssp. montana and can cause significant damage. To manage cutworms, handpick them off the plants, and use insecticides.
- Sod Webworms: Sod webworms are the larvae of several species of moths. These pests cause damage by feeding on the blades of Agrostis canina L. ssp. montana, leaving brown patches of damaged turf. To manage sod webworms, handpick them off the plants, and use insecticides.
- Chinch Bugs: Chinch bugs are small, black and white bugs that feed on the blades of Agrostis canina L. ssp. montana. These pests cause grass to turn yellow, then brown and die. To manage chinch bugs, spray plants with insecticides and avoid over-fertilizing.
