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Tall Oatgrass (Arrhenatherum elatius)

Plant Species
From Montana Interagency Plant Materials Handbook *
 By S. Smoliak, R.L. Ditterline, J.D. Scheetz, L.K. Holzworth, J.R. Sims, L.E. Wiesner, D.E. Baldridge, and G.L. Tibke

Tall oatgrass is a short-lived, perennial bunchgrass native to Europe. It was introduced into the United States early in the 19th Century, but has not been used extensively because of high seed cost.

Description

Tall oatgrass is a hardy and upright perennial, growing 30 to 60 inches tall and is very leafy. It produces seed in open panicles resembling those of cultivated oats, although the seed is smaller and more chaffy.

Adaptation

Tall oatgrass prefers well-drained soil and is especially adapted to light, sandy soils, although its use is not limited to them. Some of the best stands of tall oatgrass are on heavy soils where the drainage is reasonably good. It is a deep-rooted, drought-resistant species.

Limitations

The use of tall oatgrass has been limited by seed quality and availability. An abundance of seed is produced, but harvesting is difficult because of the tendency of the seed to shatter before it is fully mature. The seed is often of low viability and requires 30 to 40 pounds per acre. Because of these factors, the cost per acre to seed tall oatgrass is quite high, and consequently, limits its use.

Use for Hay

Tall oatgrass is high-yielding as hay and quite palatable. Mixtures of tall oatgrass, orchardgrass and red clover have been used for hay. For highest quality this mixture should be cut at the bloom stage.

Use for Pasture

Tall oatgrass produces an open sod, but withstands grazing well and provides abundant grazing. It begins growth early in the spring and remains green until late in the fall. Best results are obtained if it is rotationally grazed. Under continuous, close grazing the stand is easily reduced.

* The Montana Interagency Plant Materials Handbook (EB69) is no longer in print, but is available for viewing in
Montana County Extension Service and National Resource Conservation Service Offices.