Agrostis Perennans (walt.) Tuckerman - Upland Bentgrass

Description of Agrostis perennans (Walt.) Tuckerman

Agrostis perennans (Walt.) Tuckerman, also known as upland bentgrass, is a perennial grass that is native to North America. The plant can be found growing in meadows, fields, and open woods from Newfoundland south and west to Manitoba and Texas.

Common Names for Agrostis perennans

Aside from upland bentgrass, Agrostis perennans has various other common names, including ticklegrass, autumn bentgrass, and thin bentgrass. The name ticklegrass is due to the light, tickling sensation one feels when the plant brushes against their skin.

General Appearance of Agrostis perennans

Upland bentgrass is a fine-textured grass that grows in dense clumps and can reach heights of up to three feet. Its stems are slender and wiry, often branching near the base, and have a purple tint at the joints.

The leaves of Agrostis perennans are long, narrow, and tapering, often curly near the tips. The inflorescences of the plant are compact and narrow, with a purplish hue.

Uses of Agrostis perennans

Although not commonly used in modern medicine, Agrostis perennans has been historically used by Native Americans to make teas and decoctions for various ailments. The plant's leaves were also used as a salad ingredient and for seasoning food.

Upland bentgrass is often used for landscaping and as a forage crop for livestock. Its fine texture and ability to grow in dense clumps make it an excellent ground cover plant.

Growth Conditions for Agrostis perennans (Walt.) Tuckerman

Agrostis perennans is a common species of grass that inhabits various habitats and soil types across North America. For optimal growth and development, this plant species requires specific environmental conditions.

Light Requirements

Agrostis perennans generally thrives in full sun to partial shade. This plant species tends to grow well in areas that receive moderate to high levels of light. Shade can be tolerated as long as the plant receives a minimum of 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Temperature Requirements

The ideal temperature range for Agrostis perennans growth is between 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This species is hardy and can survive in cooler temperatures, but extreme frost can damage the plant.

Soil Requirements

Agrostis perennans prefers well-drained soils, but it can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The soil should be average to fertile, with a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5. This grass species can grow in soils with varying levels of moisture, but it tends to perform best in soils that are consistently moist.

Overall, Agrostis perennans is a resilient grass species that can adapt to a range of environmental conditions. However, providing the optimal light, temperature, and soil requirements can result in improved growth and development.

Cultivation

Agrostis perennans is a cool season grass that grows in dense tufts and prefers growing in full sun or partial shade. It can be cultivated by sowing seeds or dividing existing plants in early spring or fall when the soil is moist and temperatures are cooler. The soil should be well-draining and fertile, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.

Watering Needs

Agrostis perennans requires adequate moisture to grow rapidly and actively. Therefore, consistent watering is necessary to maintain a healthy and lush lawn. It is essential to monitor the soil moisture content and avoid watering the grass too much, which can lead to root rot. Watering should be done deeply and infrequently to promote deep root growth and drought tolerance.

Fertilization

Agrostis perennans grass needs regular fertilization to maintain its green color and vigorous growth. A balanced fertilizer with an equal amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied in the spring and fall. Nitrogen is the most crucial nutrient and should be applied in small doses regularly to avoid burning the grass. It is also important to ensure that the soil is moist before and after fertilizing to aid in absorption.

Pruning

Pruning is not usually necessary for Agrostis perennans since it grows in tufts rather than having a true stem. However, it is important to mow regularly to maintain the desired height and to remove the dead leaves and stems. Mowing height should be around 2-3 inches, and the lawnmower blades should be sharp to avoid leaving ragged edges that can cause damage to the grass plants. When mowing, avoid removing more than one-third of the blade's length to avoid stunting its growth and development.

Propagation of Agrostis perennans

Agrostis perennans (Walt.) Tuckerman, commonly known as upland bentgrass or autumn bentgrass, is primarily propagated through seeds or vegetative methods. The plant is a cool-season perennial grass that grows in clumps and has a bunchgrass growth habit.

Seed Propagation

The most common and effective way to propagate Agrostis perennans is through seeds. The seeds are small and can be sown directly into the ground or started indoors and then transplanted outside. Here are the steps to propagate Agrostis perennans through seeds:

1. Collect the ripe seeds during the late summer or early fall.
2. Clean the seeds by removing any debris or chaff.
3. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until it's time to plant them.
4. Prepare the planting area by tilling the soil and removing any weeds.
5. Sow the seeds, making sure to lightly cover them with soil.
6. Water the area well and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.
7. Thin the seedlings, leaving about 12 inches of space between each plant.

Vegetative Propagation

Agrostis perennans can also be propagated through vegetative methods, such as division and sodding. These methods are generally used to propagate the plant when a particular cultivar needs to be maintained or when seeds are scarce. Here are the steps to propagate Agrostis perennans vegetatively:

Division

1. Choose a healthy plant with a strong root system.
2. Carefully dig out the plant, taking care not to damage the roots.
3. Divide the plant into smaller sections, making sure each section has its own roots and leaves.
4. Plant the divided sections in a prepared area, spacing them 12-18 inches apart.
5. Water the area well and keep the soil moist until the plants become established.

Sodding

1. Cut sod from a healthy, mature plant using a sharp knife or sod cutter.
2. Prepare the planting area by removing any weeds and tilling the soil.
3. Lay the sod on the prepared area, making sure the edges fit tightly together.
4. Water the area well to help the sod settle into the soil.
5. Keep the area moist and avoid walking on the sod until it becomes established.

Disease Management

Agrostis perennans is susceptible to various diseases that can cause damage to the plant and reduce the yield. Here are some of the common diseases and ways to manage them:

Fusarium Patch Disease

Fusarium patch disease is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of Agrostis perennans. The infected plant appears as circular patches with brown or yellow irregular margins. To manage this disease, you can apply fungicides such as azoxystrobin, tebuconazole, and triadimefon. Proper aeration and early morning watering can also prevent the disease from spreading.

Red Thread Disease

Red thread disease is another fungal disease that affects Agrostis perennans. The disease shows up as red or pink patches on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, you can apply fungicides such as mancozeb, azoxystrobin, and propiconazole. Proper watering and nitrogen fertilization can also prevent the disease from spreading.

Pest Management

Agrostis perennans is susceptible to various pests that can cause damage to the plant and reduce the yield. Here are some of the common pests and ways to manage them:

Sod Webworms

Sod webworms are common pests that feed on the leaves of Agrostis perennans. The infested plant appears as irregular patches with chewed-up leaves. To manage this pest, you can apply insecticides such as chlorpyrifos, bifenthrin, and permethrin. Proper irrigation and mowing can also prevent the pest from infesting the plant.

Cutworms

Cutworms are another common pest that feeds on the stems of Agrostis perennans. The infested plant appears as wilted and damaged stems. To manage this pest, you can apply insecticides such as spinosad, carbaryl, and lambda-cyhalothrin. Manual removal of the worms can also prevent the pest from damaging the plant.