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Photo:
Kathy Ketchum
Taxon ID#
40
Dense, rounded clump grass. Bluish-green blades that become graceful and arching with maturity. Produces brown oat-like seed heads. Overwater affects leaf color
Scientific Name:
Helictotrichon sempervirens
Common Name 1
› Blue Oat Grass
Family:
Poaceae
Origins:
France and Italy
Plant Type:
Grass
Common Name 2
Common Name 3
Oregon native:
no
Western state native:
no
Scroll down for more information on each topic
Plant Maintenance Information
Landscape Application Information
Seasonal Care
Resource Links
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Level:
Low
Min. USDA Hardiness Zone:
4
Sun Preference:
Full Sun
Water Preference:
M
Soil Preference:
Acidic; slightly alkaline; sand; loam; clay.
Fertilizer Needs:
Recommended Mulch:
PLANT DESCRIPTION
Foliage Color:
Other
Foliage Description:
Features very narrow (3/8" wide), spiky, steel blue leaf blades (to 18") which form a rounded, porcupine-like clump.
Fragrant:
no
Predominant flower color:
Other
Flower Description:
Spikelets of bluish-brown flowers arranged in open, one-sided panicles arching at the tip appear on erect stems rising well above the foliage clump in June. Flower spikelets mature to a golden wheat color by fall.
Fall color:
yes
Fall Color Description:
Golden wheat color
Winter Foliage:
Semi-Evergreen
Winter Interest:
no
Winter Interest Description:
Mature height:
2-4'
Mature spread:
2-3'
Growth rate:
Slow
LANDSCAPE APPLICATION
Deer Resistant:
yes
Fire Resistant:
no
Attracts Pollinators:
no
Attracts Butterflies:
no
Native Habitat:
Native to central and southwest European grasslands
Attracts Birds:
no
Cut/Dried Flowers:
no
Used by Wildlife:
no
Swales:
no
Wildlife Use:
Photo:
Hedge/Screen:
no
Border:
yes
Erosion Control:
no
Windbreak:
no
Ground Cover:
yes
Provides Shade:
no
Rock Garden:
yes
Cover Structures:
no
First Bloom:
Jun
Last Bloom:
Adds Texture/Movement:
Jun
Ornamental Accent:
yes
yes
Garden Observations:
Application
Anchor 1
SEASONAL CARE
Spring Care:
Summer Care:
Fall Care:
Grasses do not need to be cut down before winter. In fact, they are attractive when left standing and the foliage helps to insulate the crown of the plant.
Winter Care:
Evergreen in milder climates, the leaves die back in harsher winters; use a rake to remove the old foliage or cut back close to the ground in late winter. It is more semi-evergreen in harsh winters where foliage decline will occur. In these areas, plants
Long Term Care:
Insect Pests:
Wildlife Pests:
Diseases:
Environmental Problems:
Landscape Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. Rust may be troublesome in humid climates, though this cultivar reportedly has good resistance. Crown rot may occur in moist, poorly drained soils.
Care Comments:
RESOURCES
OSU Landscape Profile:
USDA Plants:
Calscape Database:
LBJ Native Plant Database:
Missouri Botanical Garden Database:
Monrovia Profile:
Alternate Source 1:
Alternate Source 2:
Source Comment:
Sponsors
Desert Peaks Healthcare
George & Vickie Minor
Whistle Stop Farm & Flowers
McPheeter's Turf
High Desert Farms Nursery Sales, LLC
Schilling's Garden Market
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