Species PlantsPoverty Oatgrass

Poverty Oatgrass

Danthonia spicata

CommonPlant
Illustration of Poverty Oatgrass (Danthonia spicata)

Poverty Oatgrass is a native bunchgrass of dry, rocky, and nutrient-poor soils across eastern and central North America. It often indicates impoverished, acidic conditions where other grasses cannot survive. The distinctive curled leaf tips are an identification feature, and the seeds provide food for many grassland birds.

Habitat
Dry rocky outcrops, barrens, and poor soils across eastern North America
Diet
Seeds eaten by grassland sparrows and small birds
How common
Common

Best time to see a Poverty Oatgrass

The best time to see a Poverty Oatgrass is January–April, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 3,748 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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