Agrostis capillaris
brown top
Better known as Brown Top or Common Bent grass. It is a tufted variety ideal for luxury lawns that will be mowed on a regular basis
Other common names
common bentcommon bent grass
see moreRhode Island bent
black quitch
colonial bent
herd's grass
monkey's grass
red top grass
Synonyms
Agrostis tenuisAgrostis marysae-tortiae
see moreAgrostis vulgaris var. aristata
Agrostis vulgaris var. vivipara
Agrostis pumila
Agrostis vulgaris
Agrostis vulgaris var. genuina
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- 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
- Plant range
- Europe, N Africa, SW Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
By seed. Slow to establish but will become neat and dense if mown regularly
Propagation
Sow seed directly into weed-free, prepared soil in spring or early autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Coastal
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
Mow regularly
Pests
Seed may be eaten by ants, birds, chafer grubs and Leatherjackets
Diseases
Algae, Dollar spot, Corticium disease, Fusarium patch, fungae
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