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Danthonia spicata

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Danthonia spicata

Common Name: Poverty Oat Grass

Poverty Oat Grass is a cool-season, clump-forming grass that reaches 8 to 30 inches in height. It has thin, wiry leaves that curl when dry, and it produces small seed heads from July to August. This grass thrives in poor, sandy, or rocky soils and is commonly found in fields, savannas, and pine stands. It is highly adaptable to nutrient-deficient soils and is useful for erosion control, naturalistic plantings, and woodland edges where other grasses struggle to grow.

Characteristics

Product Form	Plant, Seed
Type	Graminoid
Sun	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Soil	Clay, Sand/Gravel
Moisture	Dry, Mesic
Average Max Height (inches)	18
Suggested Plant Spacing (inches)	6
Dominance	Medium

Range Maps

Sowing Information

For most homeowners, the recommended method is to hand-broadcast seed at a minimum rate of 16–64 PLS (Pure Live Seed) ounces per acre. To ensure even coverage, broadcast the seed in perpendicular passes across the site. Grass seed should be broadcast first and lightly raked into the soil. Afterward, apply a light mulch layer using clean, seed-free straw or, preferably, our native Little Bluestem straw, available at our retail garden centers. Once mulching is complete, broadcast native wildflower seed over the area without raking it in. A good rainfall or thorough watering will provide sufficient soil contact for successful germination.

Planting Information

Dig a hole in your planting site slightly larger than the plant’s root system. When placing the plant into the hole, ensure that the soil line remains consistent with its original level in the pot. Fill in around the roots with the excavated soil, gently firming it to eliminate air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly the same day to promote successful establishment.

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