When does Autumn Bent grass bloom?

Agrostis perennans blooms from July through October, producing small flowering panicles during the late summer and fall months.

Where is Autumn Bent native?

Autumn Bent is native to most U.S. states, ranging from Maine to Florida in the east, west to California and Washington, and throughout the Great Plains and Midwest regions.

What growing conditions does Agrostis perennans prefer?

This adaptable grass tolerates a wide range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and various moisture levels, making it suitable for diverse habitats.

Is Autumn Bent toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Autumn Bent as toxic to livestock.

Is Autumn Bent HOA-friendly?

Autumn Bent takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Autumn Bent

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Agrostis perennans

Last reviewed: June 2026

Agrostis perennans (Autumn Bent) is a native perennial grass found across most of the United States, blooming from July through October. This adaptable grass tolerates various light and moisture conditions.

Autumn Bent (Agrostis perennans) — Photo: (c) naturalist charlie, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by naturalist charlie

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Autumn Bent as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

AL, AR, CA, CT and 36 more states

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains East Central Texas Plains South Central Plains

Autumn bent is a native perennial grass that forms loose clumps with fine-textured foliage. It produces delicate, airy flower panicles from summer through fall that create a soft, naturalistic appearance in the landscape.

Growing Autumn Bent

Grow Autumn Bent in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Autumn Bent takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Informal growth habit may appear unkempt
Fine texture can look weedy to untrained eye
Goes dormant in winter leaving brown stubble

Wildlife value

This native grass provides habitat and nesting material for birds and supports various insects. The seeds offer food for songbirds and small mammals throughout fall and winter.

Common questions

When does Autumn Bent grass bloom?: Agrostis perennans blooms from July through October, producing small flowering panicles during the late summer and fall months.
Where is Autumn Bent native?: Autumn Bent is native to most U.S. states, ranging from Maine to Florida in the east, west to California and Washington, and throughout the Great Plains and Midwest regions.
What growing conditions does Agrostis perennans prefer?: This adaptable grass tolerates a wide range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and various moisture levels, making it suitable for diverse habitats.
Is Autumn Bent toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Autumn Bent as toxic to livestock.
Is Autumn Bent HOA-friendly?: Autumn Bent takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Autumn Bent? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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