Parry's Oatgrass

Danthonia parryi

Native to:
Canada, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Danthonia
Species:
Danthonia parryi
USDA Symbol:
DAPA2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fall Color:
tan
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from basal meristems after fire; common in montane grasslands with periodic fire regimes.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy to loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers open, sunny locations

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Cool-season grass; germinates best at moderate temperatures around 15-20°C.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Germination occurs at 18 C

Establishment: Seed cleaning is slow and tedious, requiring removal with tweezers. Found from Alberta to New Mexico, from sagebrush hills to treeline in the mountains.

Source: npn.rngr.net