Alpine bentgrass (Agrostis alpina, Fl. Carniol. ((1771)))

Family: Poaceae

Author: Scop.

Bibliography: Fl. Carniol. ((1771))

Year: Unknown

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Agrostis

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Unknown

Description

Alpine bentgrass is a resilient perennial grass species often found thriving in high-altitude regions. Scientifically referred to as Agrostis alpina, this plant forms an integral part of the Poaceae family, which encompasses a wide variety of true grasses.

Characterized by its fine, delicate blades and densely tufted growth habit, Alpine bentgrass is adapted to withstand harsh mountainous climates. The grass typically grows in an array of soil types, ranging from well-drained stony soils to lush alpine meadows, contributing to soil stabilization and ecosystem health in these regions.

The species was first formally described in 1771, with the pertinent botanical details cataloged in Flora Carniolica under the authorship of Giovanni Antonio Scopoli. Despite its established classification, detailed observational data specific to the growth patterns, reproductive biology, and ecological interactions of Agrostis alpina remain sparse, leaving a significant amount of its biological story untold.

However, what is well-documented is its importance within alpine and subalpine habitats. Alpine bentgrass plays a pivotal role in the plant communities of these elevations, offering forage for grazing animals and contributing to the biodiversity that sustains various insect and small vertebrate populations.

Further research could uncover more insights into this plant’s specific adaptability mechanisms to alpine and subalpine ecosystems, its role in habitat conservation, and its potential utility in agricultural or conservation practices in similar environments globally.

Common Names

Deu: alpen-straußgras
Swe: alpven
En: Alpine bentgrass
Ca: Agrostis alpina
Fr: Agrostide des Alpes, Agrostis des Alpes
De: Alpen-Straußgras, Alpen Straußgras
It: Cappellini delle Alpi
Sv: Alpven

Synonyms

Distribution

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 19, 2022 by Cristina (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 15, 2020 by Guillaume Sanchez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 5, 2020 by Guillaume Sanchez (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2020 by Přemysl Valeška (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2020 by Alice FASSIER (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4126789)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Agrostis alpina Scop.)

Specifications

Growth