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Poverty Oat Grass Seeds

Danthonia spicata

  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow either in late fall or early spring. Press the Danthonia Spicata seed into the surface of the soil, compacting the soil very firmly. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination.

Growing: Water seedlings regularly until they become established, and keep aggressive weeds down. This plant adapts well to a variety of soil types including sand, gravel, or rocky soil; it prefers dry, rocky soil and tolerates drought. Since it has no rhizomes, this plant does not spread.

Seed Saving: At the end of the season, the seed heads will begin to turn from green to brown. Remove them as soon as they ripen to their mature brown color, and spread them out to dry. Thresh them to separate the Danthonia Spicata seed from the stems. Store the Poverty Oat grass seeds in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Danthonia spicata

Species Origin: US Native Grass or Sedge

Type: Native Grasses, Cool Season

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

US Regions: Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 28,100

Stratification: No Stratification

Germination Ease: No Stratification

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 8 Inches

Color: Green, Brown

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Spring, Blooms Early Summer

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~250 Seeds) $3.75 -+
1/4 Oz Mylar (7.09g) $22.40 -+
1 Oz Mylar (~28,100 Seeds) $64.00 -+
1/4 Lb Bulk Bag (113g) $256.00 Notify Me
1 Lb Bulk Bag (454g) $960.00 Notify Me
5 Lb Bulk Bag (2.27kg) $4,320.00 Notify Me
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DESCRIPTION

This native grass earned the name Poverty Oats because of its preference for poor soil. It is also known as Curly Grass because the dead leaves curl around the base of the plant. It loves dry sandy soil and does not grow very tall, so it can also function as a native lawn.
Because of its preference for poor soil, this plant earned the name "poverty oats." Another common name, "curly grass," comes from the distinctive way the dead leaves curl around the base of the plant. Its seeds often lie dormant in the soil for generations, springing up after prairie fires or other natural disturbances. The genus name "Danthonia" honors Etienne Danthoine, a 19th century French botanist. The species name "spicata" means "spiked," in reference to the seed heads.

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow either in late fall or early spring. Press the Danthonia Spicata seed into the surface of the soil, compacting the soil very firmly. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination.

Growing: Water seedlings regularly until they become established, and keep aggressive weeds down. This plant adapts well to a variety of soil types including sand, gravel, or rocky soil; it prefers dry, rocky soil and tolerates drought. Since it has no rhizomes, this plant does not spread.

Seed Saving: At the end of the season, the seed heads will begin to turn from green to brown. Remove them as soon as they ripen to their mature brown color, and spread them out to dry. Thresh them to separate the Danthonia Spicata seed from the stems. Store the Poverty Oat grass seeds in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Danthonia spicata

Species Origin: US Native Grass or Sedge

Type: Native Grasses, Cool Season

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

US Regions: Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 28,100

Stratification: No Stratification

Germination Ease: No Stratification

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 8 Inches

Color: Green, Brown

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Spring, Blooms Early Summer