Howell’s Bentgrass: A Rare Oregon Native Worth Protecting
Meet Howell’s bentgrass (Agrostis howellii), one of Oregon’s most precious native grasses that you’ve probably never heard of. This delicate perennial grass might not win any flashy flower contests, but it holds a special place in the hearts of native plant enthusiasts and conservationists alike.
What Makes Howell’s Bentgrass Special?
Howell’s bentgrass is what botanists call an endemic species – it’s found naturally nowhere else in the world except Oregon. This makes it incredibly special, but also incredibly vulnerable. Currently classified with a Global Conservation Status of S2, meaning it’s imperiled with typically only 6 to 20 known occurrences remaining in the wild.
As a member of the grass family (Poaceae), this perennial creates delicate, fine-textured clumps that add subtle beauty to native landscapes. While it may not have the showy blooms of wildflowers, its graceful form and ecological importance make it a treasure worth knowing about.
Where Does It Call Home?
This rare bentgrass is exclusively native to Oregon, where it grows in specific habitats that have become increasingly rare due to development and habitat loss. Its limited distribution makes every remaining population incredibly precious.
Should You Grow Howell’s Bentgrass?
Here’s where things get a bit complicated – and important. Because Howell’s bentgrass is so rare, we need to approach growing it with extreme care and responsibility. If you’re considering adding this species to your garden, please keep these crucial points in mind:
- Only use responsibly sourced material: Never collect from wild populations – this could harm the few remaining natural stands
- Work with reputable native plant nurseries: Seek out nurseries that propagate from ethically sourced seed
- Consider it for conservation purposes: Growing this grass can help preserve genetic diversity and potentially provide material for restoration projects
- Join conservation efforts: Consider participating in habitat restoration projects instead of or alongside home cultivation
Growing Conditions and Care
While specific growing requirements for Howell’s bentgrass aren’t extensively documented due to its rarity, we can make educated assumptions based on its Oregon origins and grass family characteristics:
- Climate: Likely suited for USDA zones 7-9, matching Oregon’s diverse climate conditions
- Soil: Probably prefers well-draining soils, possibly with some moisture retention
- Light: Most native Oregon grasses thrive in partial shade to full sun
- Maintenance: As a native perennial grass, it should require minimal care once established
The Bigger Picture: Why Rare Plants Matter
You might wonder why we should care about one little grass species. The answer lies in biodiversity – each native plant, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, plays a role in its ecosystem. Howell’s bentgrass likely provides habitat for insects, helps prevent soil erosion, and contributes to the complex web of relationships that make healthy ecosystems function.
When we lose species like Howell’s bentgrass, we lose pieces of evolutionary history that can never be recovered. That’s why conservation-minded gardeners play such an important role in species preservation.
Alternative Native Grasses for Oregon Gardens
If you’re inspired by native grasses but want more readily available options, consider these Oregon natives:
- Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis)
- Pacific reedgrass (Calamagrostis nutkaensis)
- Red fescue (Festuca rubra)
- Tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa)
Taking Action
Whether or not you ever grow Howell’s bentgrass in your garden, you can support its conservation by:
- Supporting native plant societies and botanical gardens
- Participating in habitat restoration projects
- Learning about and growing other native Oregon plants
- Spreading awareness about the importance of native plant conservation
Howell’s bentgrass may be small and rare, but it represents something much larger – our responsibility to protect the natural heritage of our regions. Every gardener who chooses native plants, supports conservation efforts, or simply learns about local flora contributes to preserving species like this remarkable little grass for future generations.
