Common bent
Agrostis capillaris
Agrostis capillaris, known as common bent, is a perennial grass forming loose tufts and reaching heights of 10 to 70 cm. It is characterized by its very delicate, often reddish-tinted panicles that are widely spread during flowering. The species is a key component of nutrient-poor grasslands and pastures on acidic, non-calcareous soils.
Details
Oxygen production
Produces oxygen through photosynthesis during the growing season.
Habitat function
Provides cover for ground-nesting birds and habitat for predatory arthropods.
Nutrient uptake
Efficient uptake of nitrogen and minerals even at low soil concentrations.
Food source for
Larval food plant for the Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina) and the Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus).
Human use
Important component of seed mixes for hard-wearing and fine lawns (e.g., golf greens).
Ecology
Ecological role
Pioneer plant on acidic soils; provides habitat and food for numerous insect species, especially butterfly larvae.
Natural predators
Grazing livestock, wild animals (e.g., roe deer), various insect larvae.
Competitor species
Other grasses of nutrient-poor sites such as sheep's fescue or lady's bedstraw.
Ecosystem service
Soil stabilization through rhizome formation; food source in extensive agriculture; used as ornamental lawn.
Threats
Eutrophication (over-fertilization) of habitats; conversion of nutrient-poor grasslands into intensive farmland.
Scientific profile
Profile
Reproduction
Generative via seeds and vegetative through the formation of rhizomes and stolons, leading to turf formation.
Protection & threats
Main threats
Eutrophication through nitrogen deposition, abandonment of land use (scrub encroachment), and conversion of nutrient-poor grasslands into intensive grassland or arable land.