Velvet Bentgrass: A Fine-Textured Ground Cover for Cool, Moist Gardens
If you’re looking for a delicate, fine-textured grass that spreads into a dense carpet, velvet bentgrass (Agrostis canina) might catch your eye. This European native has found its way into North American landscapes, where it thrives in cool, moist conditions. But before you rush to plant it, let’s explore what makes this perennial grass tick and whether it’s the right fit for your garden.
What Is Velvet Bentgrass?
Velvet bentgrass is a low-growing perennial grass that rarely exceeds 1.5 feet in height. Don’t let the name fool you – this isn’t your typical lawn grass. It spreads rapidly through stolons (above-ground runners), creating a dense, fine-textured mat that feels almost carpet-like underfoot. The grass produces inconspicuous brown flowers in mid-spring, followed by small yellow seeds in summer, though you’re unlikely to notice these modest blooms.
You might also hear this plant called by its Spanish names: agróstide canina or agróstide de perro. Whatever you call it, this grass is all about that soft, fine texture that gives it its velvet moniker.
Where Does Velvet Bentgrass Grow?
Originally from Europe, velvet bentgrass has established itself across much of eastern North America and parts of the Pacific Northwest. You’ll find it growing in states from Maine down to Tennessee, across the Great Lakes region, and even in Hawaii and parts of eastern Canada including the Maritime provinces and Newfoundland.
However, its native status is complicated. While it’s considered native to the lower 48 states according to some sources, it’s classified as a non-native species that has naturalized in many regions, including Greenland and Hawaii. In Canada and St. Pierre and Miquelon, it’s considered a waif – meaning it shows up temporarily but doesn’t always stick around long-term.
Growing Conditions: This Grass Has Opinions
Velvet bentgrass is definitely a diva when it comes to growing conditions. Here’s what it demands:
- Moisture: High water needs – this grass is thirsty and has low drought tolerance
- Fertility: Requires rich, well-fertilized soil
- Soil type: Prefers coarse to medium-textured soils; avoid heavy clay
- pH: Acidic to neutral soils (5.0-7.5)
- Sun exposure: Full sun only – shade intolerant
- Climate: Cool, moist climates with 30-60 inches annual precipitation
This grass thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-7, handling temperatures as low as -33°F but struggling in hot, dry conditions.
Wetland Preferences
Interestingly, velvet bentgrass shows different moisture preferences depending on where you are. In eastern coastal regions and mountains, it’s facultative upland, meaning it usually prefers drier sites but can tolerate some moisture. However, in the Midwest, Northeast, and western regions, it’s obligate upland – almost never found in wetlands and preferring well-drained sites.
Should You Plant Velvet Bentgrass?
The answer depends on your goals and garden conditions. Here are some reasons you might consider it:
- Fine texture: Creates a soft, carpet-like ground cover
- Dense coverage: Spreads rapidly to fill in bare areas
- Cool-season growth: Active in spring and summer when many plants slow down
- Low profile: Stays short, reducing mowing needs
However, there are some significant drawbacks:
- High maintenance: Requires consistent watering and fertilizing
- Limited adaptability: Struggles in shade, drought, or poor soils
- Non-native status: May not support local wildlife as well as native alternatives
- Aggressive spread: Can outcompete other plants once established
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you’re drawn to velvet bentgrass for its fine texture and ground-covering ability, consider these native alternatives:
- Buffalo grass (Bouteloua dactyloides): Low-growing native prairie grass
- Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis): Fine-textured native bunch grass
- Fine fescue species: Some native fine fescues offer similar texture with better drought tolerance
How to Grow Velvet Bentgrass Successfully
If you decide to move forward with velvet bentgrass, here’s how to give it the best chance:
Planting: This grass is readily available commercially and can be established from seed, sod, or sprigs. Plant in early spring after the last frost, ensuring soil temperatures have warmed to at least 50°F.
Soil preparation: Work plenty of organic matter into coarse to medium-textured soil. Avoid heavy clay soils, which this grass can’t tolerate.
Watering: Maintain consistent moisture, especially during establishment. This grass has high water needs throughout the growing season.
Fertilizing: Feed regularly with a high-quality fertilizer. The high fertility requirement means you’ll need to stay on top of nutrition.
Maintenance: While it has moderate regrowth after cutting, velvet bentgrass doesn’t require frequent mowing due to its low stature. However, you’ll need to manage its spread if you don’t want it taking over neighboring plants.
Wildlife and Ecological Value
Like most grasses, velvet bentgrass is wind-pollinated, so it doesn’t offer much direct value to pollinators. Its wildlife benefits are largely unknown, which is typical for non-native species that haven’t co-evolved with local wildlife.
The Bottom Line
Velvet bentgrass can create a beautiful, fine-textured ground cover in the right conditions – cool, moist climates with rich soil and full sun. However, its high-maintenance nature and non-native status make it worth considering carefully. If you have the perfect conditions and don’t mind the upkeep, it can be an attractive option. But if you’re looking for a more sustainable, wildlife-friendly choice, native grasses might serve you better in the long run.
Whatever you choose, remember that the best garden plants are ones that thrive in your specific conditions with minimal fuss – and sometimes that means looking beyond the obvious choices to find the perfect fit.
