California Oatgrass
(Danthonia californica)
California Oatgrass (Danthonia californica)
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D Defreese
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
D Defreese
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: D Defreese | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: D Defreese | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-04-21T07:30:17-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Danthonia californica, commonly known as California Oatgrass, is an evergreen perennial grass native to the grasslands, open woodlands, and meadows of the Western USA, including California, Oregon, and Washington, as well as British Columbia. It forms dense tufts or clumps and can reach up to 3 feet (1 meter) in height. The leaves of California Oatgrass are typically flat, short, and can vary from hairy to hairless. Its inflorescence consists of one or more spikelets, with each spikelet containing up to eight florets. The flowering season occurs in late spring to early summer, and the flowers are not particularly showy but have a delicate, airy appearance.
California Oatgrass is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions, making it a suitable choice for restoration projects and naturalistic landscaping. It is often used for erosion control, as a ground cover in wildflower meadows, and in habitat gardens designed to attract and support wildlife. While it prefers full sun or partial shade, it is adaptable to different light conditions and can handle medium to low water availability. This grass is compatible with a range of soil types, provided they have medium to slow drainage. It is typically found growing alongside species such as Festuca idahoensis (Idaho Fescue), Deschampsia caespitosa (Tufted Hairgrass), and Nassella pulchra (Purple Needlegrass). Gardeners should note that while California Oatgrass is generally low-maintenance, it can become less vigorous in overly rich or waterlogged soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
California Oatgrass is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions, making it a suitable choice for restoration projects and naturalistic landscaping. It is often used for erosion control, as a ground cover in wildflower meadows, and in habitat gardens designed to attract and support wildlife. While it prefers full sun or partial shade, it is adaptable to different light conditions and can handle medium to low water availability. This grass is compatible with a range of soil types, provided they have medium to slow drainage. It is typically found growing alongside species such as Festuca idahoensis (Idaho Fescue), Deschampsia caespitosa (Tufted Hairgrass), and Nassella pulchra (Purple Needlegrass). Gardeners should note that while California Oatgrass is generally low-maintenance, it can become less vigorous in overly rich or waterlogged soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 1.5-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to grasslands, open woodlands, and meadows in the Western USA and British Columbia
Other Names
Common Names: Danthonie De Californie
Scientific Names: Danthonia californica , Danthonia californica var. californica , Danthonia californica var. americana , Danthonia americana , Danthonia macounii , Danthonia californica var. piperi , Danthonia californica var. palousensis , Danthonia grandiflora , Merathrepta americana , Merathrepta californica
GBIF Accepted Name: Danthonia californica Bol.