Family
Poaceae
Botanical Name
Arrhenatherum elatius
Plant Common Name
Tall Oatgrass
General Description
Tall oatgrass is a perennial tufted grass. It is native to Eurasia but is widely introduced in North America, Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand because it was originally planted as a pasture grass. It is now considered an invasive weed of old fields, prairies and natural meadows.
This prolific grass has medium green blades that are tall, upright, linear and rough to the touch. The inconspicuous pale green or purple flowers are produced in late spring and early summer and resemble oats. Oatgrass spreads by short rhizomes and stolons (under and above ground rooted stems that spread).
Tall oatgrass prefers full sun and moist soil but will grow in drier locations. In the heat of summer it may go dormant but will reappear in fall. Its dry leaves and seed heads are very flammable. Control tall oatgrass by mechanical means, mowing or cutting.
For more information about this plant’s invasive status visit the Global Compendium of Weeds at: http://www.hear.org/gcw/species/arrhenatherum_elatius.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 5
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 8
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Sunset Zone
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 15, 16, 17, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Grass
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
2'-5' / 0.6m - 1.5m (4)
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Width
2'-10' / 0.6m - 3.0m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
Europe, Asia
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
None
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Flower Color
Purple, Light Green
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Fruit Color
Green, Tan
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Tan
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Tan, Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Yes
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Self-Sowing
No
