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Upland Bent

Agrostis perennansfam. Poaceae
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Agrostis perennans (Upland Bent) — botanical photograph
Pl. 40C1 — Agrostis perennans
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Overview

Upland Bent (Agrostis perennans), a perennial grass belonging to the Poaceae family, is native to a wide range of regions including Alabama, Arkansas, and various areas in South America such as Argentina and Bolivia. This versatile plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and grows up to 0.9 meters tall. Upland Bent is adaptable to diverse habitats, thriving in both dry and moist environments, and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. Known for its edible seed, the plant can be found in regions including Alabama, Arkansas, and various areas in South America such as Argentina and Bolivia, as well as in parts of North America, South America, Central America, and Mexico. The seeds can be harvested and prepared by drying before being eaten raw or incorporated into various dishes. Upland Bent is both ornamental and useful as a food source, making it a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes in suitable climates. While it is drought-tolerant, it performs best in moist conditions. This perennial can be propagated through seed and is hardy in temperate regions.

Quick answers

What is Upland Bent?

Upland Bent (Agrostis perennans), a perennial grass belonging to the Poaceae family, is native to a wide range of regions including Alabama, Arkansas, and various areas in South America such as Argentina and Bolivia. This versatile plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and grows up to 0.

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Growingconditions · propagation · uses
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Cultivation

Upland Bent thrives in full to partial sun and prefers well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is drought-tolerant but performs best in moist conditions with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. This perennial grows up to 0.9 meters tall and can be propagated through seed. Hardy in temperate regions, it is native to parts of North America, South America, Central America, and Mexico. Harvest the seeds for edible use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Graminoid
Mature size
0.9 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–7.5
For first-time growers

How to grow Upland Bent for the first time

8steps

Start with Upland Bent as a simple, low-maintenance perennial grass.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Upland Bent seeds or seedlings, a garden trowel, and mulch.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a location with well-draining soil that's light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Ensure it gets full sun to partial shade.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds 0.5 inches deep and 6-12 inches apart. For transplants, space them the same distance.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep soil moist until germination. Water less frequently once established.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water only when dry, fertilize sparingly if needed, and mow to maintain height.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune dead foliage in early spring to encourage new growth.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, using too much fertilizer, planting in poor soil, neglecting to prune, and not providing enough sunlight.

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Edible & utility

Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: The upland bent plant is edible and its seeds can be consumed. Typically, the seeds are harvested and prepared by drying before being eaten raw or incorporated into various dishes.
Other uses:Dynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

68 native · 1 introduced
Distribution across3 continents· 68 native· 1 introduced
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Americas10 regions
native (10)BoliviaColombiaCosta RicaDominican RepublicEcuadorGuatemalaHaitiHondurasPeruVenezuela
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Madagascar
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Argentina South, Arkansas, California, Chile Central, Chile South, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Masachusettes, Massachusetts, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Newfoundland, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward I., Québec, Rhode I., South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Agrostis perennans (Upland Bent) — botanical photograph
Upland Bent (Agrostis perennans)
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See also

8 related
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Explore further

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About this entry

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