Northern Bent
Agrostis mertensii
Last reviewed: June 2026
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.
Common questions
- How much sun does Northern Bent need?
- Northern Bent grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Northern Bent bloom?
- Northern Bent blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Northern Bent native?
- Northern Bent (Agrostis mertensii) is native to CO, ME, MT, NC and 10 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Northern Bent HOA-friendly?
- Northern Bent is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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 Northern Bent? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz