Any of the annual or perennial grass es that make up the genus Agrostis , in the family Poaceae (or Gramineae), found in temperate and cool regions and at high altitudes in subtropical and tropical areas.
At least 40 species are found in the U.S.; some are weeds, others forage and turf plants. They have slender stems and flat blades. Many spread by creeping stolon s. Redtop ( A. gigantea ) is a hay and pasture grass. Creeping bent ( A. stolonifera variety palustris ) and colonial bent ( A. tenuis ) are popular lawn grasses; the many strains of both species are planted in golf courses and bowling greens, where they are closely cut to develop a fine, spongy, firm turf.