Flora Database

Plant Name:

Poverty Oatgrass

Scientific Name:

Danthonia spicata

Description:

A native perennial grass with distinctive blue-green leaves and dense panicles of greenish flowers that turn golden-brown with age.

Habitat:

Native to North America and often found in prairies, meadows, and open woods.

Fauna:

Poverty Oatgrass provides habitat and food for a variety of wildlife species, including birds such as the savannah sparrow and vesper sparrow who use the plant for cover and nesting, and small mammals such as rodents who may eat the plant's seeds and use the plant for shelter.

Growing Conditions:

Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established.

Uses:

Often used for erosion control and as a forage grass for livestock.

Edible:
(please exercise caution and consult additional sources or experts before consuming any vegetation):

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Poisonous:

Fun Facts:

Poverty Oatgrass is also known as "spike oatgrass" or "poverty grass".