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mountain oat grass

Scientific Name: Calamagrostis avenoides

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Danthonia compressa: Mountain Oatgrass

Danthonia compressa is a species of grass known by several common names, including mountain oatgrass, flattened oatgrass, and slender oatgrass.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Danthonia compressa Austin
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
  • Common Names: Mountain oatgrass, flattened oatgrass, slender oatgrass
  • Synonyms: Calamagrostis avenoides (though this may be a misidentification, based on the context where both names are used), Deyeuxia avenoides

Distribution and Habitat

  • Mountain oatgrass is native to North America.
  • It grows in the eastern United States and southeastern Canada.
  • It is often found at high altitudes, such as in the Appalachian Mountains, Cascade Mountains of Oregon and Washington, and on Roan Mountain.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Mountain oatgrass requires full sun and well-drained soil.

Ecology

  • Mountain oatgrass is a dominant species in some open areas, such as balds in the Smoky Mountains National Park and in the Southern Igneous Ridges and Mountains.
  • It is found alongside other plants such as sedges, wavy hairgrass, blackberries, and Blue Sapphire Fountain Oat Grass.

Quirky Facts

  • The name "Roan Mountain" may be derived from the reddish color the mountain takes on due to the presence of Mountain Oatgrass.
  • The aroma of some brews that use Mountain Oatgrass is described as having notes of hops, resin, and slightly of oatmeal.

Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/graminoi