Winter Bentgrass
Agrostis hyemalis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Agrostis hyemalis (Winter Bentgrass) is a native cool-season grass found across eastern and central North America, blooming June through August with inconspicuous flowers that attract bees.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Winter Bentgrass as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
6"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 32 more states
Pollinators
bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Winter bentgrass is a fine-textured native grass that forms loose clumps with delicate, airy flower heads. It grows moderately tall and provides a soft, natural texture in partial sun locations with average moisture.
Growing Winter Bentgrass
Grow Winter Bentgrass in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 4 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Winter Bentgrass 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.
- Loose, informal growth habit may appear unkempt
- Can look weedy or wild compared to traditional landscaping
- May go dormant and brown in winter
Wildlife value
The grass flowers attract bees during summer months. As a native grass, it also provides habitat and food sources for various small wildlife.
Common questions
- Where does Winter Bentgrass naturally grow?
- Agrostis hyemalis is native to much of eastern and central North America, from Maine to Florida and west to Texas, Minnesota, and South Dakota.
- When does Winter Bentgrass bloom?
- Winter Bentgrass produces its delicate flower panicles from June through August during the summer months.
- What pollinators visit Winter Bentgrass?
- Bees are the primary pollinators of Agrostis hyemalis, visiting the small grass flowers for pollen and nectar.
- What growing conditions does Winter Bentgrass prefer?
- This adaptable grass tolerates a wide range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and various moisture levels from wet to dry soils.
- Is Winter Bentgrass toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Winter Bentgrass as toxic to livestock.
- Is Winter Bentgrass HOA-friendly?
- Winter Bentgrass 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 Winter Bentgrass? 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