Poverty Oatgrass
Danthonia spicata
- Native to:
- Canada, Greenland, Labrador, Mexico, Prince Edward I., United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © rarecatsnake (iNaturalist #209385390)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Danthonia
- Species:
- Danthonia spicata
- USDA Symbol:
- DASP2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- green, purple
- Lawn Substitute:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- tan, brown
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Increases in abundance after fire; resprouts from basal tillers.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- adapted to poor, rocky soils
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best after cold stratification; surface sow on moist soil.
Pre-treatment: One month of moist cold stratification is required. Use a Ziploc-style bag or a small Rubbermaid-style container to mix an equal amount of seeds with either perlite or vermiculite. Add a small amount of water. Place in a refrigerator or cold garage (33-42 degrees F) for at least one month. Cold store until planted (up to 3 years).
Establishment: The plant is found in the eastern half of the United States and likes dry to sterile or rocky soils. It is particularly common on jack pine plains, where it may form a solid carpet after disturbance, occasionally found in marshy or boggy places. Seed is collected by hand from locally native plants within the eastern central Upper Peninsula or in Acadia National Park, Maine.
Source: npn.rngr.net
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Native Plants Nursery (nursery)
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)