Contents
Description
Arrhenatherum Elatius is commonly known as tall oatgrass or tall meadow oatgrass. It is a perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa but has been introduced to other parts of the world as a forage grass.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Monocots |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Arrhenatherum |
Appearance
The grass grows up to 1.5 meters tall and has a dense, clumping growth habit. The leaves are long and narrow, measuring up to 30 centimeters in length and 1 centimeter in width. The inflorescence is a panicle that measures up to 30 centimeters in length and contains numerous spikelets.
Care Guide
Arrhenatherum Elatius is a hardy grass that requires minimal care. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Water the grass regularly, especially during dry periods, and fertilize it once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. The grass is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Arrhenatherum Elatius is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be affected by leaf rust, stem rust, and powdery mildew. These can be treated with fungicides if necessary. Common pests that may affect the grass include aphids, grasshoppers, and cutworms.
Habitat
Arrhenatherum Elatius is commonly found in meadows, pastures, and along roadsides. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Arrhenatherum Elatius a good forage grass?
A: Yes, Arrhenatherum Elatius is commonly used as a forage grass for livestock.
Q: Can Arrhenatherum Elatius be grown in containers?
A: While it is not commonly grown in containers, Arrhenatherum Elatius can be grown in large containers if provided with adequate space and nutrients.
Q: Is Arrhenatherum Elatius invasive?
A: While it is not considered invasive, Arrhenatherum Elatius can spread rapidly in favorable conditions and may become weedy in some areas.
Q: Is Arrhenatherum Elatius drought-tolerant?
A: While it prefers moist soil, Arrhenatherum Elatius is relatively drought-tolerant and can survive periods of drought.
Related Plants
- Arrhenatherum bulbosum
- Arrhenatherum elatius subsp. bulbosum
- Arrhenatherum longifolium
- Arrhenatherum pallidum
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Arrhenatherum elatius. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a622
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Arrhenatherum elatius (L.) P.Beauv. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=AREL2
- Virginia Tech Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation. (n.d.). Arrhenatherum elatius. Retrieved from https://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=16
