Overview
Agrostis stolonifera L. var. palustris (Huds.) Farw. is a low-growing, perennial grass that is commonly known as creeping bentgrass or creeping bent. It belongs to the Poaceae family and is native to Europe and temperate Asia but has been widely introduced and naturalized in many parts of the world.
General Appearance
This plant has a delicate, fine texture with a prostrate growth habit, rarely exceeding 12-15 cm tall. It forms stolons or runners, which are long, creeping stems that enable it to spread and form dense mats. The leaves are narrow and tapering, measuring around 2-5 mm wide and 3-15 cm long. The inflorescence is a narrow, erect panicle, consisting of numerous small spikelets borne on slender, wiry stems.
Common Names
The common name of Agrostis stolonifera L. var. palustris (Huds.) Farw. is creeping bentgrass or creeping bent, which refers to its prostrate growth habit and its propensity to spread widely by means of stolons. It is also known as carpet bentgrass, spreading bentgrass, browntop bentgrass, and Rhode Island bentgrass.
Uses
Agrostis stolonifera L. var. palustris (Huds.) Farw. is widely used for its lawn qualities and is a popular choice for golf courses, tennis courts, and other recreational areas. Its dense, fine-textured mats provide an attractive, uniform appearance and can tolerate low mowing heights. The plant is also used for erosion control and land reclamation projects due to its ability to stabilize soils and prevent erosion. Additionally, Agrostis stolonifera L. var. palustris (Huds.) Farw. is used for animal feed, especially for grazing in pastures and hay.
Light Requirements
The Agrostis stolonifera L. var. palustris (Huds.) Farw. plant requires full sunlight to partial shade for optimal growth and development. It can tolerate shade and grows well in partial shade, but it does not thrive in dense shade. In full sunlight, it produces more foliage and blooms and tends to be more robust than those grown in partial shade.
Temperature Requirements
The Agrostis stolonifera L. var. palustris (Huds.) Farw. plant can grow in a broad range of temperatures, but it prefers cool to mild temperatures. It grows and develops well in temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. However, the ideal temperature range for this plant to thrive is between 15°C and 20°C. In temperatures above 25°C, the plant may show stress and slow growth, while in temperatures below 10°C, it may become dormant.
Soil Requirements
The Agrostis stolonifera L. var. palustris (Huds.) Farw. plant prefers rich and moist soils for optimal growth and development. It thrives in soils that are well-drained, with a high organic matter content and a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can grow in a wide range of soil textures, including sandy, silty, and clayey soils. However, the soil must be adequately drained to prevent waterlogging, as the plant is susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. Additionally, the plant can tolerate salinity and alkalinity, making it suitable for growth in coastal regions.
Cultivation Methods
Agrostis stolonifera L. var. palustris (Huds.) Farw. is a cool-season grass that can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 3-8. It prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in moist soil conditions. The grass can be propagated through seeds or vegetative means such as stolons and sodding. The optimal time for seeding is during early spring or fall. The grass seed should be spread evenly and lightly over the soil surface and then covered lightly with soil. Newly planted grass should be kept moist until germination occurs.
Watering Needs
Agrostis stolonifera L. var. palustris (Huds.) Farw. prefers consistent moisture in the soil and should be watered deeply and infrequently. The grass should receive one inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. To avoid overwatering, check the soil moisture level regularly and water only when the top one inch of soil is dry.
Fertilization
Agrostis stolonifera L. var. palustris (Huds.) Farw. is not a heavy feeder and does not require frequent fertilization. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied during the early spring before the grass starts actively growing. Apply the fertilizer at a rate of 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn area. Nitrogen promotes healthy foliage growth and should be applied sparingly to prevent excessive growth.
Pruning
Agrostis stolonifera L. var. palustris (Huds.) Farw. requires minimal pruning. During the growing season, mow the grass to maintain a height of 1.5 to 2.5 inches. Never remove more than one-third of the blade length during a single mowing. Mowing frequency can vary based on the growth rate, but it is generally recommended to mow the grass every 7 to 10 days. Avoid mowing when the grass is wet to prevent clumping and uneven cuts. Remove fallen leaves and debris regularly to prevent the grass from being smothered or damaged.
Propagation of Agrostis stolonifera L. var. palustris (Huds.) Farw.
Agrostis stolonifera L. var. palustris (Huds.) Farw., commonly known as creeping bentgrass, reproduces via vegetative means such as stolons, rhizomes, and tillers, making propagation a relatively straightforward process.
Division
One of the simplest methods of propagation for Agrostis stolonifera L. var. palustris is through division. This involves cutting sections from the parent plant and transplanting them into new soil. It is best to perform this during the early spring or fall when the plant is actively growing. To do this, one can dig up the plant carefully and divide it into sections with a sharp knife or shovel. Plant the sections in prepared soil, water them well, and wait for roots to establish.
Stolon and Rhizome Harvesting
Stolon and rhizome harvesting can also be used to propagate Agrostis stolonifera L. var. palustris. This method involves taking sections of the stolons or rhizomes and planting them directly into soil where they can establish new growth. This can be done as soon as the plant starts to sprout new growth in the spring.
Tiller Separation
Another method of propagation is through tiller separation. This involves separating the young tillers from the parent plant while ensuring that each tiller has a good root system. Once separated, plant the tillers in a prepared soil mixture with good drainage and ample sunlight.
Regardless of the method chosen, it is essential to provide water and sunlight to newly planted Agrostis stolonifera L. var. palustris as it establishes its new root system.
Disease Management for Agrostis stolonifera L. var. palustris (Huds.) Farw.
Agrostis stolonifera L. var. palustris (Huds.) Farw. is prone to several diseases, and effective management strategies are crucial in maintaining healthy growth and optimal yields. Some of the common diseases that can affect this plant include:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease caused by species of the Colletotrichum genus that can affect the leaves, stems, and flowers of plants. Symptoms of the disease include small, round, brown spots on the leaves that may enlarge and turn reddish-brown or black over time. The disease can be prevented by maintaining proper sanitation practices and applying fungicides when necessary.
Red Thread Disease
Red thread is a fungal disease caused by the species Laetisaria fuciformis. It is characterized by the presence of pink or red strands on the leaves and stems of plants. The infected leaves may also turn reddish-brown or tan and eventually die off. The disease can be managed through proper sanitation, irrigation management, and applying fungicides when necessary.
Summer Patch
Summer patch is a root disease caused by the fungus Magnaporthe poae. Symptoms of the disease include the development of yellow rings on the turf, which eventually turn brown and die off. The disease can be managed by aerating and topdressing the infected areas, improving irrigation and drainage, and applying fungicides when necessary.
Pest Management for Agrostis stolonifera L. var. palustris (Huds.) Farw.
Agrostis stolonifera L. var. palustris (Huds.) Farw. is also prone to pest infestation, and effective pest management strategies are important in preventing damage to the plants. Some of the common pests that can affect this plant include:
White Grubs
White grubs are the larvae of various beetles, including Japanese beetles and European chafers. These pests feed on the roots of grasses, causing significant damage to the plants. The pests can be managed by applying insecticides when necessary and maintaining proper lawn care practices such as regular watering, fertilizing, and mowing.
Cutworms
Cutworms are the larvae of several species of moths, and they can cause significant damage to young seedlings by cutting the stems near the soil surface. The pests can be managed by applying insecticides when necessary, maintaining proper sanitation practices, and using physical barriers such as collars around the seedlings.
Sod Webworms
Sod webworms are the larvae of several species of moths that usually feed on grass blades at night, causing significant damage to the turf. The pests can be managed by applying insecticides and promoting the growth of healthy turf through proper irrigation and fertilization.
