Small-Leaf Bentgrass
(Agrostis microphylla)
Small-Leaf Bentgrass (Agrostis microphylla)
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Gordon Leppig & Andrea J. Pickart
Public domain
Image By:
Gordon Leppig & Andrea J. Pickart
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Gordon Leppig & Andrea J. Pickart | License Type: Public domain | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/public-domain/ | Uploader: Stickpen | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Agrostismicrophylla.jpg | Notes: |

Estimated Native Range
Summary
Agrostis microphylla, commonly known as Small-Leaf Bentgrass, is an annual grass native to alpine and subalpine zones, meadows, and open forest clearings. It is found in the Northwestern United States to Northwest Mexico. Small-Leaf Bentgrass typically grows to a modest height approaching half a meter, forming tufted bunches that are well-suited for textural contrast in garden settings. Its inflorescence is a dense cylindrical panicle up to 12 centimeters long, with spikelets that are yellowish, greenish, or purplish, and very narrow and pointed, offering subtle visual interest. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, and while the flowers are not particularly showy, they add a delicate texture to the landscape.
This grass is valued for its adaptability to various garden conditions and is often used for erosion control, as a filler in mixed borders, or for naturalizing in wildflower meadows. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires medium amounts of water, making it relatively low maintenance. It prefers soils with slow drainage, which is consistent with its native alpine habitat. While not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can be susceptible to rust in wet conditions. Small-Leaf Bentgrass is not typically invasive, but it can self-seed if conditions are favorable, which should be considered when planting in gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0
This grass is valued for its adaptability to various garden conditions and is often used for erosion control, as a filler in mixed borders, or for naturalizing in wildflower meadows. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires medium amounts of water, making it relatively low maintenance. It prefers soils with slow drainage, which is consistent with its native alpine habitat. While not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can be susceptible to rust in wet conditions. Small-Leaf Bentgrass is not typically invasive, but it can self-seed if conditions are favorable, which should be considered when planting in gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 4-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention:
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow
Common Uses
Erosion Control, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to alpine and subalpine zones, meadows, and open forest clearings
Other Names
Common Names: Spike Bentgrass, Small-Leaf Bent
Scientific Names: , Agrostis microphylla, Agrostis aristiglumis, Agrostis exarata var. microphylla, Agrostis microphylla var. microphylla, Agraulus brevifolius, Agrostis virescens var. microphylla,
GBIF Accepted Name: Agrostis microphylla Steud.