Common Heathgrass

Danthonia decumbens

Also known as: Staggers Grass

Native to:
Albania, Algeria, Austria, Azores, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cape Verde, Corse, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, Finland, Føroyar, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Krym, Madeira, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Sardegna, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Tunisia, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Ukraine

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Danthonia
Species:
Danthonia decumbens
USDA Symbol:
DADE

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun,Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
green, purple
Lawn Substitute:
Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
poor, acidic, well-drained soil
pH:
4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
commonly found in heathlands and acidic grasslands

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; surface sow on moist soil.