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tall oat grass

Scientific Name: Arrhenatherum album

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

False Oat-Grass (Arrhenatherum elatius)

Arrhenatherum elatius, commonly known as false oat-grass, tall oat-grass, tall meadow oat, onion couch, and tuber oat-grass, is a perennial grass species. It is a tall, fluffy-looking grass often found in grasslands, roadside verges, and disturbed grounds.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text notes that the stems of Arrhenatherum elatius can be bulblike at the base.

Considerations for Children

  • The text notes that the stems of Arrhenatherum elatius can be bulblike at the base.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Arrhenatherum elatius (L.) Presl, and Arrhenatherum elatius (L.) Beauv. ex J. & K. Presl
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass family)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to temperate Europe and Asia.
  • Introduced to North America.
  • Found in grasslands, roadside verges, hay meadows and disturbed grounds.

Ecological Role

  • Considered a non-native species in some parts of the United States.
  • Can be invasive, forming dense stands that shade and out-compete native species for light, moisture, and nutrients.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Perennial grass growing up to 50-150 cm tall.
  • Loosely tufted grass with erect, smooth stems 28-70 inches tall.
  • Stems are occasionally bulblike at the base.
  • Leaves are quite broad and flat.
  • Plants grow in tufts and do not spread by rhizomes (in the *elatius* variety).

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Tall oatgrass mosaic virus (TOgMV) is known to infect this species.
  • Can be a food source for some animals.