California Oatgrass
Danthonia californica
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Danthonia
- Species:
- Danthonia californica
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 4-6 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr, may, jun
- Bloom Colors:
- Red
Native Range
United States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Columbia skipper (Hesperia columbia), Lindsey's skipper (Hesperia lindseyi)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- thrives in open grasslands and meadows
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: For divisions: Vitamin B-1 solution for 15 minutes. For seeds: None required.
Establishment: Seeds are collected between May 1st and July 15th. Mature inflorescences and seeds are light brown. The plant is found in open grassy meadows to rocky ridges, from coastal prairies to montane forests; from southern California to British Columbia east to Montana and south through the Rocky Mountains to New Mexico. It is also found in Chile.
Source: npn.rngr.net