// SPECIES PROFILE · GRASS · NATIVE

Poverty oatgrass

Danthonia spicata

Poverty oatgrass (Danthonia spicata) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 1a–11b. Mature size 6"–3'. Blooms May–Jul.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: grass
Native range: Native to 45 U.S. states, including AK, AL, AR, CO, CT, DC…
USDA hardiness: Zones 1a–11b
Mature size: 6"–3'
Sun: Part shade
Water: —
Bloom: May–Jul
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Poverty oatgrass (Danthonia spicata) — *Danthonia spicata* — Poverty oatgrass. Photo by Matthew C. Perry, USGS via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Poverty oatgrass (Danthonia spicata) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 1a–11b. Mature size 6"–3'. Blooms May–Jul.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, poverty oatgrass pairs naturally with: Broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia), Needle spikerush (Eleocharis acicularis), Needle spikerush (Eleocharis acicularis var. porcata), Needle spikerush (Eleocharis acicularis var. acicularis).