
Creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera variety palustris)
Any of the annual or perennial
grasses that make up the genus
Agrostis, in the family Poaceae (or Gramineae), found in temperate and cool regions and at high altitudes in subtropical and tropical areas. At least 40 species are found in the U.S.; some are weeds, others
forage and
turf plants. They have slender stems and flat blades. Many spread by creeping
stolons. Redtop (
A. gigantea) is a
hay and pasture grass. Creeping bent (
A. stolonifera variety
palustris) and colonial bent (
A. tenuis) are popular lawn grasses; the many strains of both species are planted in golf courses and bowling greens, where they are closely cut to develop a fine, spongy, firm turf.
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Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.