Agrostis stolonifera
creeping bent
A fast-growing grass, spreading by stolons - horizontal stems that root as they go - to form mats up to 1m across. The leaves are soft, mid-green and relatively broad, and the tiny green flowers often with a red flush, are carried in a rather narrow, airy spray on stems up to 40cm tall
Other common names
butter grassfiorin
Synonyms
Agrostis alba var. pallensAgrostis alba misapplied
see moreAgrostis karsensis
Agrostis stolonifera f. vivipara
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Agrostis can be annual or perennial grasses, with narrow or bristle-like leaves and branches panicles of small flowers
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Will grow in most garden situations, including heavy or wet soils and partial shade. Does not make a good sward even if mown, and is more likely to be a weed than a lawn grass, though some cultivars are used on golf greens and sports fields
Propagation
Propagate from seed or by separating rooted shoots
Suggested planting locations and garden types
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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