California Oatgrass
Danthonia californica
- Native to:
- Canada, Chile, United States
iNaturalist: © jimmylegs (iNaturalist #109081982)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Danthonia
- Species:
- Danthonia californica
- USDA Symbol:
- DACA3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- green, purple
- Lawn Substitute:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Columbia skipper (Hesperia columbia), Lindsey's skipper (Hesperia lindseyi)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from root crowns after fire; fire can stimulate seed germination.
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
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold moist stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.
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
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Native Seed Group (seeds)