Upland Bent, Upland bentgrass
Agrostis perennans
Family: Poaceae or Gramineae
What it is like
Agrostis perennans is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.9
Where it is found
Open woods, thickets, rocky banks and dryish open soil.
Eastern N. America - Quebec to Minnesota and south to Florida and Texas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Seed. No further details are given, though it is probably used as a cereal. The seed is very small, its collection and utilization would be very fiddly.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 2
Dynamic accumulator: Plants that gather minerals or nutrients from the soil and store them in a more bioavailable form and in high concentration in their tissues. Used as fertilizer or to improve mulch.
How it is grown
We have very little information on the needs of this plant, and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. Judging by its native range, however, it is likely to succeed in most areas of this country. Growing in a variety of habitats in the wild, though usually in dry soils, it is likely to be quite adaptable here so long as the ground is well-drained. This is a very variable plant in the wild, it is erect and rather stout when growing in dry open ground, but weak with a lax panicle when growing in the shade.
Propagating it: Seed - sow outdoors in a seedbed in spring and only just cover the seed. It usually germinates in 2 - 3 weeks so long as the soil does not dry out.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist