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Northern Bent

Agrostis mertensii

Last reviewed: June 2026

Northern Bent (Agrostis mertensii)
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA NRCS. 1995. Northeast wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. Northeast National Technical Center, Chester, PA. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

8"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CO, ME, MT, NC and 10 more states

Northern bent is a fine-textured native grass that forms compact clumps with delicate, airy flower heads in summer. This cool-season perennial stays relatively low and maintains a tidy appearance throughout the growing season.

In an HOA neighborhood

Northern Bent is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The flowers and seeds provide food for small birds and native insects, though it's not a major pollinator plant.

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.

Does Northern Bent fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

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