Blue Oat Grass

Blue Oat Grass

Helictotrichon sempervirens

Poaceae (Grass Family)

Helictotrichon sempervirens: Blue Oat Grass

Location near campus: in large ornamental grass bed south of the butterfly garden, toward the eastern side of Close Park at the Botanical Center.

• a cool-season perennial bunch-type grass somewhat similar to blue fescue, with mounding blue leaves, but blue oat grass leaves are more rigid, wider and longer than blue fescue, growing in clumps 20-24 inches tall and wide
• inflorescences are compressed panicles (not real showy) on stalks up to 40 inches tall
• prefers full sun to part shade, and dry, low-fertility soils; tolerates alkaline soils well