RANGE GRASSES OF HAWAII 



3 



No. 1. AGROSTIS ALBA (7, p. 80) 

 Common name: Redtop 



Agrostis alba is found growing commonly in the eastern part of the 

 United States, westward to Indiana and Illinois and in the southern 

 part of Canada. It makes its best growth in wet meadows, and is 

 not regarded as drought resistant. Redtop is perennial, and is vari- 

 able in habit of growth, often attaining a height of 1 to 2 feet. Some 



Figure 1.— Agrostis alba 



varieties spread by means of creeping stems or stolons and form a 

 uniform sod, whereas other varieties make tufted growth. 



Although not widely planted, redtop is found thriving in the Glen- 

 wood and the Volcano districts of Hawaii, and on some of the higher 

 slopes of Mauna Kea. Opinions on its value differ. In general, it 

 is regarded as having fair grazing qualities. Used in grass mixtures, 

 it is especially valuable on poor, thin soils. It does not crowd out 

 other grasses and can be used until they have become established. 



Because of its reddish flower clusters, this species is sometimes locally 

 confused with Natal grass (Tricholaena rosea). 



