Agrostis capillaris (Brown top)

Botanical name

Agrostis capillaris

Other names

Brown top, Common bent grass, Common bent, Rhode Island bent, Black quitch, Herd's grass, Monkey's grass, Red top grass, Agrostis tenuis, Agrostis vulgaris, Colonial bent

Genus

Agrostis Agrostis

Species

A. capillaris - A. capillaris is a tufted grass with finely ribbed leaves, which are short and taper to a fine point. It is useful for luxury lawns which will be frequently mowed.

Foliage

Evergreen

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Colour

Flower

Reddish-brown in Summer

Foliage

Mid-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Ants , Birds , Chafer grubs in lawns , Dog urine , Leather jackets (European crane fly) , Moles , Worm casts on lawns

Specific diseases

Algae in grass , Dollar spot , Lichen in grass , Ophiobolus patch , Red thread (Corticium disease) , Snow mould (fusarium patch) , Toadstools and fairy rings

General care

Pruning

Mow regularly

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Agrostis capillaris (Brown top) will reach a height of 0.3m and a spread of 0m after less than 1 year.

Suggested uses

Ground Cover, Lawn

Cultivation

This grass is slow to establish, but with regular mowing forms a neat, dense turf. Grows in most soils, but prefers well-drained acid soils.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Agrostis capillaris (Brown top)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Meloidogyne minor

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Present (Unknown Distribution)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Nematode pest mainly affecting turf. Previously found in UK and likely to be spreading. Relevant industries e.g. Turf producers; potato growers; should monitor the situation and take appropriate action to protect themselves.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/