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Poverty Oat Grass
Danthonia spicata
GrassPoverty Oat Grass
Danthonia spicata
Tap to flip backGrowing Conditions
Light
Full Sun
Water
Dry
Soil
Sandy
Size
0.5-2'
Bloom
Green, Jun–Jul
Why Grow It
Drought Tolerant
Thrives with little water once established
Ground Cover
Fills in to form a living carpet
Erosion Control
Deep roots stabilize slopes & banks
Rock Garden
Thrives in rocky, well-drained spots
Did You Know?
Its common name 'Poverty Grass' comes from the fact that it thrives only in poor, infertile soil and actually declines if the soil is too rich.
The leaves characteristically curl inward when dry, earning it the alternate name 'Curly Grass' — the curling helps reduce water loss.
Despite its small stature, it has remarkably deep roots that hold soil in place, making it excellent for erosion control on dry slopes.
Wildlife Value
🦋
Leonard's Skipper
Caterpillars feed on grass foliage
🐦
Ground-nesting Birds
Clumps provide cover and seed forage
🦗
Grasshoppers
Several species feed on leaves and stems
Good Companions
🧡 Butterfly Milkweed
💛 Wild Indigo
🌾 Little Bluestem
🌼 Spotted Bee Balm
Planting Guide
- Sow seed or plant plugs in dry, infertile sandy soil.
- Choose full sun to part sun with good drainage.
- Do not fertilize — thrives in nutrient-poor conditions.
Plant Details
Made with ♥ by Lu Li