Helictotrichon desertorum, commonly known as Alpine Oatgrass, is a perennial grass native to the steppes and dry grasslands of Central and Eastern Europe. It typically grows to a height of 3 feet (0.9 meters) and a width of 2 feet (0.6 meters). Alpine Oatgrass forms dense clumps of narrow, blue-green leaves, which provide textural contrast in garden settings. The plant produces tall, upright flower spikes in early summer that are silvery-blue at first, maturing to a golden brown, adding visual interest to the landscape. The flowers are not particularly showy but do contribute to the plant’s overall ornamental value.

Alpine Oatgrass is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in poor soils, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is often used in meadow gardens, as an accent plant in borders, or for erosion control on slopes. This grass prefers full sun and requires well-drained soil to prevent root rot. It is generally low maintenance, but dead foliage should be cut back in late winter to make way for new growth. While it is not prone to serious pests or diseases, rust can occasionally be a problem. Alpine Oatgrass is not known for aggressive roots or invasiveness, making it a well-behaved addition to the garden.CC BY-SA 4.0