BOTANICAL AND ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
SPECIES: Agrostis exarata | Spike Bentgrass 



GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS : 
Spike bentgrass is a native, perennial bunchgrass.  Culms are slender
and erect, usually 3.3 to 5 feet (1-1.5 m) tall [1,11,20,24].  The
blades are ascending to spreading, 0.08 to 0.4 inch (2-10 mm) wide, and
up to 8 inches (20 cm) long [9,11,16].  The panicle is narrow, open to
spikelike, and 4 to 10 inches (10-25 cm) tall [1,9].  Spike bentgrass
occasionally develops slender rhizomes [11,16].  


RAUNKIAER LIFE FORM : 
   Hemicryptophyte


REGENERATION PROCESSES : 
Spike bentgrass reproduces primarily by seed but may also spread
laterally by rhizomes [11,24].  Seeds colonize recently disturbed sites
that have exposed mineral soil seedbeds [13].


SITE CHARACTERISTICS : 
Spike bentgrass occurs in a wide variety of habitats including
woodlands, forest openings, grasslands, shrublands, meadows, marshes,
and stream and lake margins [9,18,24,29].  It is most commonly found in
moist open places [1,12,20] but is also found in dry habitats such as
semiarid grasslands [10,19].  Spike bentgrass grows on disturbed sites
such as ditches and along roadsides [11,30].  Spike bentgrass occurs
from sea level to alpine zones [5,10,18,20,29].  It occupies sites as
high as 10,500 feet (3,150 m) in Utah [29].

Spike bentgrass grows well on soils derived from schists, limestones,
sandstones, and conglomerates [32].



SUCCESSIONAL STATUS : 
Facultative Seral Species

Spike bentgrass is generally a pioneer species.  It is relatively shade
intolerant and thrives in open, sunny locations [13].  Seed becomes
established on bare mineral soil.  Seedlings of spike bentgrass become
established on old-growth forests that have been recently harvested
[13].  Once spike bentgrass becomes established, it may remain important
throughout the early seral stages [13].  Spike bentgrass is a component
of relatively undisturbed riparian communities in Colorado [2].  In the
Sierra Nevada, spike bentgrass may occur in climax meadow vegetation
[21].


SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT : 
Spike bentgrass flowers from June to August [16,20].  Seed ripens and
sheds during August and September, depending on altitude [24].  

Related categories for Species: Agrostis exarata | Spike Bentgrass