Agrostis canina

Species category

Turf

Common name

velvet bentgrass, agróstide canina, agróstide de perro

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

FloretFloret:
A small flower in a clustered inflorescence (e.g., sunflower, grasses). In grasses, a floret consists of the lemma, palea, stamens, and pistil.

Shape

Lanceolate

Size

  • Length: 1.5 mm
  • Width: 0.5 mm
  • Thickness: 0.5 mm

Color

Yellowish-brown floretFloret:
A small flower in a clustered inflorescence (e.g., sunflower, grasses). In grasses, a floret consists of the lemma, palea, stamens, and pistil.
and spikeletSpikelet:
One or more florets that are subtended by a pair of bracts called glumes. Spikelets are pedicellate if located on a pedicle and sessile if attached directly to the rachis. Often spikelets with single florets have remnants of a second floret, usually a lemma.
. Brown caryopsisCaryopsis:
The single-seeded fruit or grain of the grass family (Poaceae); the fruit wall (pericarp) is united with the seed coat (testa).
.

Texture

Smooth

Lemma

Dull, whitish, and transparent surrounding the floretFloret:
A small flower in a clustered inflorescence (e.g., sunflower, grasses). In grasses, a floret consists of the lemma, palea, stamens, and pistil.
.

Palea

Reduced to minute transparent scales

Other structures

GeniculateGeniculate:
Bent at a sharp angle.
and twisted awnAwn:
A narrow, bristle-like organ, as on the glumes or lemmas of grasses (Poaceae).
from middle of lemmaLemma:
One of two bracts of the grass floret; it is located on the side nearest the embryo and opposite the rachilla.

Identification notes

LemmaLemma:
One of two bracts of the grass floret; it is located on the side nearest the embryo and opposite the rachilla.
markedly longer than the caryopsisCaryopsis:
The single-seeded fruit or grain of the grass family (Poaceae); the fruit wall (pericarp) is united with the seed coat (testa).
. Fine nerves evident at the top and obscure or lacking below. Short bristles from the lateral sides of the callusCallus:
The hard base of grass florets or spikelets, just above the point of disarticulation.
.

Comments

See: USDA Agriculture Handbook No. 219 Seed of this species is considered noxious only as a contaminant. Check individual states for interpretations.

Noxious weed seed categories

State Noxious Weed: Delaware, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia 

AOSA examination list

Not included

More information

For more information, see ISMA fact sheet, Agrostis spp.

Nomenclature

Family

Poaceae

Valid name

Agrostis canina L.

Synonyms

Agrostis canina L. var. varians (Thuill.) Ducomm.

 Agrostis canina.  Brown caryopsis, top middle. Yellowish-brown spikelets and florets.
Agrostis canina. Brown caryopsis, top middle. Yellowish-brown spikelets and florets.