Timber Oatgrass
Danthonia intermedia Vasey (D. cusickii [T.A. Williams] A.S. Hitchc., D. canadensis B.R. Baum & Findlay)
overview
Densely tufted perennial grass, 5-4 cm tall. Leaves mainly basal, hairy below with the ligule a long fringe of hairs. Inflorescence a dense panicle with few spikelets. Spikelets with two or more florets and glumes about as long as the spikelet. Lemmas hairy at base and edges, with a twisted awn (up to 1 cm long) originating from below their tip (Pojar and MacKinnon, 1998).
family
Poaceae
ecological setting
Sub-montane to sub-alpine, occurs in Asia and is transcontinental in North America. Ranges from boreal, to temperate and cool mesothermal climates. Common in grasslands, meadows, open forests and alpine meadows.
nutrients
Nitrogen poor soils.
moisture regime
Moisture deficient sites. Very dry to moderately dry.
shade tolerance
Sun to light shade.
successional status
Sporadic successional in young-seral forests. Common climax species on dry rocky outcrops.
site rehabilitation
Meadow restoration.
wildlife
Moderate forage for elk.
landscaping
Use as an ornamental grass in meadows, borders and containers. Most effective in large groups (S. Bastin, personal communication).
flowering time
June to August.
fruit ripening time
August to September.
seed viability
Stores for up to five years.
seed storage
Store dry at 1-7º C.
fruit seed dormancy treatment
Sow seeds and cover lightly with fine soil. Good success with fall sowing at night temperatures of 4º C and day temperatures of 20º C. Sow in containers in spring with bottom heat (15º C) with air temperatures of 15-20º C. Germination rates of 90% in 20 days (S. Bastin, personal communication).
vegetative propagation
Good success with plant division in early spring and fall. Useful for increasing stock.
additional info and photos
For more information and pictures, visit the E-Flora BC website at www.eflora.bc.ca.