Spike Bentgrass

Spike bentgrass, also known as spike redtop and western bentgrass, is a medium textured, cool season, perennial bunchgrass with a dense, spike-like flower head (panicle). The stems (culms) are slender and erect, usually 50 to 100 (150) cm tall. The leaf blades are 2 to 20 mm wide, 5 to 20 cm long, and harsh to the touch. This species contains considerable variability, from dwarf alpine forms to taller, more robust specimens along the seacoast.

The species produces large quantities of tiny seeds with good retention that are easy to harvest or collect. It is usually not found in large pure stands, but occurs as scattered individuals or small colonies across a landscape. It is usually not found in large pure stands, but occurs as scattered individuals or small colonies across a landscape.