Avena fatua, commonly known as common wild oat, is an annual grass native to Eurasia but has been introduced to temperate regions worldwide, including North America and Australia. It typically stands 1-4 feet tall and features nodding panicles of spikelets in the summer, which are initially green but mature to a pale beige. The leaves are dark green, rough, and linear with a membranous ligule at the collar. Common wild oat thrives in open areas such as fields, roadsides, and disturbed lands, often becoming weedy and invasive.

Common wild oat is not typically cultivated for ornamental purposes due to its invasive nature. However, it is sometimes used in agricultural research and as a cover crop or forage in controlled environments. It prefers full sun and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy, with moderate water requirements. While it can be a useful plant in certain contexts, it is known to compete with crops and can be difficult to eradicate once established due to its prolific seed production.CC BY-SA 4.0