Danthonia Spicata
Contents
Description
Danthonia Spicata, commonly known as Poverty oatgrass, is a native grass species found in various habitats across North America. It is a perennial, cool-season grass with a tufted growth habit that grows up to 60 cm tall. The grass has narrow, flat leaves that are about 2-4 mm wide and 5-15 cm long. Its inflorescence is a narrow, spikelike panicle with spikelets that are 3-5 mm long.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Danthonia |
Appearance
Danthonia Spicata has a tufted growth habit, with narrow, flat leaves that are green to bluish-green in color. Its inflorescence is a narrow, spikelike panicle that is 5-15 cm long and contains spikelets that are 3-5 mm long. The grass can grow up to 60 cm tall and has a fibrous root system. It is a cool-season grass that typically blooms from May to July.
Care Guide
To care for Danthonia Spicata, it is important to keep it well-watered, especially during periods of drought. The grass prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. It is also important to fertilize the grass regularly to ensure healthy growth. Danthonia Spicata prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate cold temperatures down to USDA zone 3.
Common Pests & Diseases
Danthonia Spicata is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to rust and leaf spot diseases, which can cause discoloration and damage to the leaves. Grasshoppers and other insects can also feed on the grass, causing damage to the foliage.
Habitat
Danthonia Spicata can be found in various habitats across North America, including dry prairies, savannas, and open woodlands. It is typically found in areas with well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. The grass is relatively drought-tolerant and can grow in a wide range of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Danthonia Spicata a good grass for grazing livestock?
A: Danthonia Spicata can be used for grazing livestock, but it is not as palatable as other grass species and may not be the best choice for high-intensity grazing operations.
Q: Can Danthonia Spicata be grown in containers?
A: While Danthonia Spicata can be grown in containers, it is not commonly grown in this manner due to its relatively large size and fibrous root system.
Q: Is Danthonia Spicata invasive?
A: Danthonia Spicata is not considered invasive, but it can spread slowly over time and may need to be managed in certain situations.
Q: How often should Danthonia Spicata be fertilized?
A: Danthonia Spicata should be fertilized at least once per year, preferably in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
- Danthonia californica
- Danthonia intermedia
- Danthonia parryi
- Danthonia spicata var. spicata
References
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Danthonia spicata (L.) P. Beauv. Retrieved January 22, 2022, from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=DASP
- Minnesota Wildflowers. (n.d.). Danthonia spicata (Poverty Oatgrass). Retrieved January 22, 2022, from https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/grass-sedge-rush/poverty-oatgrass
- The Morton Arboretum. (n.d.). Danthonia spicata. Retrieved January 22, 2022, from https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/poverty-oatgrass
