Redtop

General Description

Redtop is a long-lived, perennial tufted grass with common names like bentgrass or ticklegrass. Several closely related species of this bentgrass group are discussed in the literature including redtop (Agrostis gigantea Roth or Agrostis stolonifera – introduced), and hair bentgrass (Agrostis scabra – native). The common name ticklegrass can refer to any of these species. Redtop was introduced and has become naturalized throughout British Columbia. It is abundant following disturbance, especially in the northeastern part of British Columbia. 

Type

Tame grass.

Origin

Introduced from Europe.

Longevity

High.

Use

Reclamation. Introduced initially for use in lawns and turf grasses. Used for erosion control in riparian areas and wetlands, and rehabilitation of disturbed sites with high acidity or heavy metal contamination. There has been some use for pasture and hay in higher elevation wet meadows in western states.

Optimal Time of Use

Spring and summer.

Recovery After Use

Tolerant of grazing because of semi-prostrate growth and generally low palatability.

Palatability/Nutritional Value

Cattle prefer most other tame grass species over redtop. When it is available it is preferred by cattle and horses in spring and summer, preferred by sheep in spring, and desirable in summer.

Annual Precipitation min/max (mm)

450mm / 600mm

Drought Tolerance

Moderate tolerance.

Flooding Tolerance

Redtop is adapted to frequent flooding.

Winter Hardiness

Redtop has a high cold tolerance and is adapted to northern areas of North America.

Soil Texture Preference

Grows well on poor, clayey soils, on poorly drained soil, and on soils with low fertility. Not suited to limestone-based soils.

Erosion Control

Rhizomatous root system makes this species useful for erosion control.

Salinity Tolerance

Low salinity tolerance.

Acidity Tolerance

High tolerance. Redtop grows well on very acid soils and will tolerate pH as low as 4.5.

Alkalinity Tolerance

Low tolerance- up to pH 8.0.

Seeds per kg

10,670,000 seeds/kg (4,839,836 seeds/lb)

Suggested Mixtures

Redtop is seldom seeded alone and forage quality is improved when seeded with species such as timothy and/or clover species.

Ease of Establishment

When established from seed, redtop plants can have low vigour resulting in poor stands. However, once established plants will readily spread. Early spring seeding is recommended to allow establishment before onset of drier conditions. Broadcast seeding with light harrowing is suitable. Soil compaction over seed may cause crusting which can be impenetrable to emerging seedlings.

Competitiveness

Can be highly competitive and invasive in some regions and habitats.

Management Considerations

This species should not be seeded where native vegetation is desired, and readily hybridizes with other Agrostis species. Pasture mixes will need to be grazed closely to allow for palatable regrowth on wetter and sub-irrigated sites.