A perennial, rhizomatous grass which also produces stolons, although these tend to be weak. Reaching a height of approx. 100 cm, the species is also known as “giant bent” and is closely related to creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera), which is considerably shorter and more finely structured. It grows on damp to wet, nutrient-rich grassland, as well as ditches, water margins and flood channels. It thrives in cool, damp locations and so is also widespread in upland areas. Less tolerant of dry or poorly aerated soils. The yield and feed value (7) of common bent grass are high. It may occur in single-species stands in areas that are less suitable for other types of grasses. Attractive to grazing livestock. The runners helped to produce a strong sward. In seed mixes it needs 2–3 years to reach maturity due to slow development.
Botanical features
| Leaf | Leaf rolled in the bud, leaf sheath open and glabrous. Leaf blade long and pointed, strongly ribbed and glabrous, dull light to greyish green. Ligule white and long, almost triangular with rounded tip, occasionally split. Auricles absent. |
| Culm | Culm stiffly upright or bent. Culm height up to 100 cm. |
| Inflorescence | Loose, pyramid-shaped panicle up to 20 cm long, several side branches of varying length on the lower nodes of the main axis, some up to 8 cm long. During flowering the panicle is spread, the side branches are spread horizontally. Before and after flowering the panicle is closed. Numerous small spikelets 2–3 mm long, lanceolate, single-flowered, pale green to purple. Glumes 2.5 mm long with keel. Lemma shorter than glume, five-veined and awnless. Palea half the length of the lemma. |
| Fruit | Grain enclosed by glumes of varying colours (golden yellow, brown, purple). Lemma and palea papery, silvery white and shiny. Base of lemma covered in fine hairs. No pedicel. The brown caryopsis is visible and often dehusked. TSW 0.05–0.08 g. |