Article
Article
Redtop grass
Article By:
Sprague, Howard B. Agricultural Consultant, Washington, DC.
Last reviewed:August 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.576500
One of the bent grasses, Agrostis gigantea (also referred to as Agrostis alba) and its relatives, occurring in cooler, more humid regions of the United States on a wide variety of soils. Redtop grass (see illustration) tolerates both wet and dry lands, as well as acid and infertile soils, and it is used where other species of grasses do not thrive. Redtop is a perennial, spreads slowly by rootstocks, and makes a coarse, loose turf. Top growth is 2–3 ft (0.6–0.9 m) in height, with moderately leafy, wiry stems. The inflorescence is a reddish open panicle. Redtop is used for pasture and hay and is fairly nutritious if harvested promptly when heading occurs. It is effective in preventing erosion by holding banks of drainage ditches, waterways, and terrace channels. See also: Forage crops; Grass crops; Lawn and turf grasses; Poales
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