Danthonia intermedia, commonly known as Timber Oatgrass, is an evergreen perennial grass native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest clearings, and alpine areas in Western North America, as well as the Russian Far East. It typically grows to about half a meter in height and is characterized by its tufted, bunchgrass habit with short, mostly basal leaves. The inflorescences are narrow clusters of up to ten spikelets, with each spikelet containing 3 to 6 florets. The flowers are not showy, being cleistogamous, which means they remain closed and self-pollinate, a trait that contributes to the plant’s widespread distribution and adaptability.

Timber Oatgrass is valued for its ability to thrive in challenging conditions and its use in restoration projects and native plant gardens. It is drought-tolerant, requiring low amounts of water, and prefers soils with fast drainage. It can grow in full sun to part shade, making it versatile for various garden designs. While it is not commonly used for ornamental purposes due to its inconspicuous flowers, it is excellent for erosion control and as a low-maintenance ground cover in naturalized areas.CC BY-SA 4.0