Blue oat grass Helictotrichon sempervirens
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Blue Oat Grass is a perennial grass showcasing a tufted, clump-forming habit. Its striking feature is the silvery blue foliage that maintains its color throughout the growing season. Each blade of the grass is narrow, with a rolled or folded nature, emanating from the base of the plant in an upward and outward direction, which creates a rounded, mounded form. The overall texture of Blue Oat Grass is fine and it can provide a graceful and arching appearance. During the blooming season, this plant produces flower spikes that emerge above the foliage. These flowers are initially a light green or bluish color, turning into a straw-like hue as they mature. These flower spikes hold a resemblance to those of the common cereal crop oats, thus contributing to the name "Blue Oat Grass". The flowering stalks are taller than the foliage, and they retain their interest even as they dry, often lasting into the winter months. Overall, the Blue Oat Grass is a hardy and attractive ornamental grass, known for its drought-tolerance and low maintenance requirements, with a distinctive blue foliage that adds a cool color contrast in garden landscapes and works well in a variety of garden designs, including rock gardens, borders, and as a ground cover.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Poaceae.
Synonyms
Blue Oat Grass, Evergreen Blue Oat Grass, Everblue.
Common names
Avena sempervirens, Avena candicans, Avena rigida, Arrhenatherum sempervirens
ToxicityTo humans
Blue oat grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens) is not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, there are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant. However, as with any plant material, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially cause irritation or an allergic reaction if the plant is ingested or handled.
To pets
Blue oat grass is not known to be toxic to pets either. It should not cause any symptoms of poisoning in animals if they ingest parts of the plant. As with humans, individual pets may have varying sensitivities, and ingestion of plant material could potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset simply due to the ingestion of non-digestible matter.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Blue-green
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Grass
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Blue oat grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens) adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its striking blue foliage and graceful fountain-like shape.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is highly tolerant of drought conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping or water-efficient landscaping.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, needing only occasional watering and very little fertilization.
- Erosion Control: Its dense growth habit and strong root system can help stabilize soil and control erosion on slopes or banks.
- Adaptability: Blue oat grass adapts well to a variety of soils, including clay, sandy, and rocky substrates, provided they drain well.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides year-round visual interest with its evergreen foliage and seasonal flower spikes that rise above the leaves in summer.
- Wildlife Attraction: Its flowers can attract pollinators like bees, and its seeds may provide food for birds.
- Deer Resistance: It is generally resistant to deer, making it suitable for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
- Fire Resistance: Being a low-flammability plant, it can be used in fire-resistant landscaping.
- Easy Propagation: Blue oat grass can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to spread it around the garden without additional cost.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Plant dyes: The foliage of Helictotrichon sempervirens, commonly known as blue oat grass, can be used to create plant-based dyes for coloring textiles or craft materials.
- Erosion control: Its dense root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in areas prone to soil degradation.
- Livestock fodder: Although not a common fodder, in times of scarcity blue oat grass can act as a rough forage for livestock, especially sheep and goats.
- Garden sculpture: The striking foliage of blue oat grass can be dried and used in decorative arrangements, adding an architectural element to indoor displays.
- Educational tool: Blue oat grass can be used in educational settings to teach about ornamental grasses, xeriscaping, and dryland gardening practices.
- Theme gardens: This grass fits well in moon gardens due to its silvery-blue coloring that can reflect moonlight and create a striking night-time garden ambiance.
- Sound barrier: When planted densely, blue oat grass can help reduce noise pollution by absorbing and deflecting sound waves.
- Companion planting: The grass serves as a good companion plant in gardens, providing a contrasting texture to complement broad-leaved plants and flowers.
- Thatching material: Although not a traditional thatching material, the tough, dry stems of blue oat grass can be used in small-scale thatching projects or garden crafts.
- Habitat creation: Its dense clumps can provide shelter and nesting opportunities for small wildlife, particularly invertebrates like insects and spiders.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Blue Oat Grass is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Blue Oat Grass is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Often known by its common name 'Blue oat grass', Helictotrichon sempervirens is a hardy plant that can survive in tough conditions, symbolizing the ability to withstand adversity and bounce back from challenges.
- Endurance: Its evergreen nature and the Latin term 'sempervirens' in its botanical name, which means 'always alive,' symbolizes longevity and the enduring aspects of the human spirit.
- Serenity: The blue-gray foliage of Blue oat grass exudes a calming effect, making it symbolic of peace and tranquility in a garden setting.
- Gracefulness: With its fine-textured foliage that sways gracefully in the breeze, it represents elegance and poise.
- Flexibility: Blue oat grass bends without breaking when subjected to strong winds, symbolizing flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
WaterFor Blue Oat Grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens), water thoroughly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Once established, it is drought tolerant and requires minimal watering. In the absence of rainfall, water Blue Oat Grass every two to three weeks, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time. Avoid overwatering as it thrives in well-drained soil and excessive moisture can lead to root rot. During the winter, reduce watering but do not allow the soil to become completely dry.
LightBlue Oat Grass prefers full sun conditions to maintain its best form and coloration. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Partial shade is tolerable, but too much shade can cause the plant to lose its characteristic stiff, upright habit.
TemperatureBlue Oat Grass is hardy and can survive in temperatures as low as -20°F and as high as 90°F. For optimal growth, maintain an environment where the temperature is consistently between 40°F and 85°F. Extreme heat or cold beyond these ranges may stress the plant.
PruningBlue Oat Grass should be pruned to remove old, dead foliage and to maintain its tidy appearance. This is best done in early spring before new growth begins. Cut back the foliage to about 3 to 4 inches from the ground. Pruning should be done annually to encourage fresh, healthy growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBlue oat grass prefers well-draining soil with moderate fertility; a mix of loam, sand, and compost works well. It thrives in a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingBlue oat grass typically does not require frequent repotting; it can be repotted every 2 to 3 years or as needed when it outgrows its container.
Humidity & MistingBlue oat grass is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements, making it suitable for most outdoor garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide full sun and well-draining soil for blue oat grass indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil; drought tolerant once established.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleHelictotrichon sempervirens, commonly known as Blue Oat Grass, begins its life cycle as seeds that germinate when soil temperatures are warm, usually in the spring. Seedlings emerge and establish a fibrous root system and develop into tufted clumps of blue-green, grass-like leaves. Through vegetative growth, the perennial grass matures over the years, growing in size and vigor. In early to midsummer, it sends up tall, graceful flower spikes that bear oat-like seed heads, which turn a golden straw color as they mature. After setting seed, the plant enters a period of dormancy in late fall or winter, depending on the climate. Blue Oat Grass remains evergreen in milder winters but may die back in colder regions, regrowing from the root system with the return of warm weather.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Blue oat grass, commonly known as Helictotrichon sempervirens, is often propagated by division, which is best done in the spring. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump of blue oat grass and divide it into several smaller clumps, ensuring that each new section has a portion of the root system. These smaller sections can then be replanted immediately to establish new plants. It's important to water the new divisions regularly until they are established and show signs of new growth. Division is typically employed for blue oat grass because it maintains the genetic consistency of the parent plant and allows for quicker establishment compared to seed propagation.
