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Arrhenatherum spp.
Europe, North Africa, and western Asia
Overview
Arrhenatherum spp. is a small genus of cool-season perennial grasses in the grass family, native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. The principal species, A. elatius, false oat-grass, forms loose tufts of flat green leaf blades 4-10 inches (10-25 cm) long and sends up flowering culms 24-60 inches (60-150 cm) tall. The narrow, glossy flower panicles are 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) long, green flushed with purple, ripening to straw color in summer. The variety bulbosum has a chain of swollen, bulb-like internodes at the stem base; its variegated form has white-striped blades and grows to about 12-18 inches (30-45 cm). Plants are tufted and spread mainly by seed, though the bulbous form increases from detached basal bulbils. Growth begins early in cool weather, and foliage often browns or goes dormant in summer heat before reviving in autumn. A. elatius is listed as a weed or invasive species in parts of western North America, where it displaces native bunchgrasses in meadows and prairies.
Native Range
Native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia in meadows, grassland, roadsides, and open woodland on a range of soils. Widely naturalized in temperate regions worldwide, including North America, Australia, and New Zealand.Suggested Uses
Grown in borders, gravel gardens, and grass plantings, with the variegated bulbous form spaced 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) apart. The species is used in rough grassland and meadow seed mixes within its native range. Container culture suits the variegated form in pots of at least 2 gallons (8 L).How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 5'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
green to straw, purple-tingedFoliage Description
green, or green-and-white variegated in cultivated formsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plants grow in full sun to part shade on most well-drained soils and tolerate poor, dry, and chalky ground once established. The variegated bulbous form keeps better leaf color in cooler conditions and can scorch in hot summer sun. Foliage often goes summer-dormant in heat and regrows with autumn rain. Self-sown seedlings of A. elatius appear readily and can spread into surrounding ground. Rust fungi may spot the blades in humid weather. Clumps are sheared or cut back when foliage tires to bring fresh growth.Pruning
Tired or browned foliage is cut back to a few inches in midsummer or early spring to refresh the clump. Spent flower panicles are removed before seed ripens to reduce self-sowing. The variegated form is divided in spring to increase plants and remove any all-green reversions.Pruning Schedule
summerearly spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons