Poverty Oat-grass (Danthonia spicata)Grass Family Poverty Oat -grass is a tough, cool-season grass native to much of North America, including the eastern United States. It thrives in dry, nutrient-poor soils where few other grasses can compete, making it a good choice for challenging sites such as rocky slopes, woodland edges, or dry, sandy clearings. Its fine-textured, curly basal leaves form low tufts, while flowering stems rise to 1–2 feet in late spring and early summer, bearing oat-like spikelets. This adaptable species is particularly useful for naturalistic plantings, erosion control, and groundcover in areas where mowing and maintenance are limited. It is tolerant of drought, partial shade, and poor soils, and can coexist well with native wildflowers in open woodland or meadow settings. Blooms: 3-4 weeks, May-June Leaves:Wiry, distinctly curled Height: 6-12" Space:12-18" Soil:Average-Dry Exposure:Full Sun-Part Sun-Part Shade Fauna: Host plant, butterflies feed on flowers, habitat Seeds:Oat-like Deer Resistance:High Zone:3-8 Native Status: NC native,common across the state Provenance:NC, seed grown
