Danthonia sericea aka Downy Oat Grass
Taxonomy ID: 8321
Danthonia sericea is a native perennial grass in the family Poaceae, commonly known as Downy Oatgrass or Silky Oatgrass. This attractive warm-season grass is native to the eastern United States, occurring from Pennsylvania south to Florida and west to Texas. The species is particularly common in the Coastal Plain region.
The plant forms dense, caespitose (tufted) clumps with a rhizomatous root system that allows it to spread gradually. Culms (stems) typically reach 50-100 cm in height, though mature plants can grow up to 1.8 meters tall under optimal conditions. The narrow, arching leaves are 10-30 cm long and 2-4 mm wide, with distinctive silky white hairs covering the lower surface and leaf sheaths—a characteristic that gives the plant its common names.
Danthonia sericea blooms in spring, typically from March through June. The inflorescence is an open or contracted panicle measuring 6-10 cm long, bearing elliptic, laterally compressed spikelets 12-17 mm in length. Each spikelet contains 4-9 fertile florets. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, as is typical of wind-pollinated grasses, but the seed heads develop conspicuous bristles and awns that add ornamental interest. The lemma awns are twisted at the base several times, forming a distinctive tiny pedestal.
This species thrives in a variety of habitats including dry woodlands, forest edges, sandy barrens, oak-pine forests, and rocky outcroppings. It adapts well to dry, acidic soils and tolerates both full sun and partial shade conditions. The plant is notably resilient, with no known significant pest or disease problems, and demonstrates excellent fire tolerance, readily resprouting from rhizomes and crowns after burning.
In the landscape, Danthonia sericea provides ecological value as habitat for native bees, which use the hollow stems for nesting.
Common names
Downy Oat Grass, Downy Oatgrass, Downy Danthonia, Silky Oatgrass, Silky Oat GrassMore information about Downy Oat Grass
How easy is it to grow Danthonia sericea?
Danthonia sericea is an easy-to-grow native grass with low maintenance requirements. NC State Extension rates it as 'Low' maintenance, and the species has no known diseases or insect pests. It tolerates a range of soil types and moisture conditions, making it an excellent choice for naturalistic landscapes and restoration projects within its native range.
What are the watering needs of Danthonia sericea?
Danthonia sericea prefers moist to occasionally dry conditions and is drought-tolerant once established. In its native habitat, it grows in dry woodlands and sandy barrens where moisture is irregular. Water regularly during establishment, then allow soil to dry between waterings. The plant adapts well to natural rainfall patterns in USDA zones 6-9.
What soil does Danthonia sericea need?
Danthonia sericea grows well in sandy, rocky, or clay soils with good drainage. It prefers acidic to neutral pH (below 6.0 to 8.0) and is especially common in sandy soils in its native Coastal Plain habitat. The plant tolerates poor, nutrient-deficient soils and dry, acidic conditions typical of oak-pine woodlands.
How much light does Danthonia sericea need?
Danthonia sericea thrives in full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight) but tolerates partial shade (2-6 hours). In its native habitat, it grows along forest edges, in open woodlands, and on rocky outcrops where light conditions vary. For best flowering and vigor, provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
How do you propagate Danthonia sericea?
Danthonia sericea is primarily propagated by seed. Direct sow seeds in late fall or early spring by pressing them into the soil surface and compacting firmly. Keep soil lightly moist until germination, which typically occurs in 2-4 weeks. Established clumps can also be divided in early spring or fall. The species colonizes naturally after disturbance due to long seed dormancy.
How big does Danthonia sericea grow?
Danthonia sericea is a fast-growing perennial grass reaching 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) tall and 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 m) wide. It forms dense, caespitose clumps and spreads gradually via rhizomes. The narrow, arching leaves are 10-30 cm long with distinctive silky white hairs. Growth is rapid in suitable conditions, with the plant reaching mature size within a few growing seasons.
Where is Danthonia sericea native to?
Danthonia sericea is native to the eastern United States, occurring from Pennsylvania south to Florida and west to Texas. It is particularly common in the Coastal Plain region, growing in dry woodlands, oak-pine forests, sandy barrens, and rocky outcrops. The species thrives in the temperate biome throughout its native range.
Does Danthonia sericea flower?
Danthonia sericea blooms in spring, typically March through June. The flowers are small, inconspicuous spikelets arranged in open or contracted terminal panicles 6-10 cm long. Each spikelet is elliptic, 12-17 mm long, containing 4-9 florets. After flowering, the seed heads develop conspicuous bristles and twisted awns that turn light tan to whitish, providing ornamental interest.
How is Danthonia sericea pollinated?
Danthonia sericea is wind-pollinated, as is typical of grasses in the family Poaceae. The small, inconspicuous flowers lack petals and produce lightweight pollen that is dispersed by air currents. The open panicle inflorescence structure facilitates wind pollination. Interestingly, this species also produces cleistogenes (self-pollinating flowers) in the lower leaf sheaths.
Can Danthonia sericea grow outdoors?
Danthonia sericea is exclusively an outdoor plant, hardy in USDA zones 6a-9b. It grows naturally in dry woodlands, forest edges, sandy barrens, and rocky outcrops throughout the eastern United States. Plant in full sun to partial shade with well-drained, acidic to neutral soil.
What pests and diseases affect Danthonia sericea?
Danthonia sericea has no known significant pest or disease problems. NC State Extension explicitly notes this native grass has 'No known diseases or insect pests', making it an exceptionally trouble-free plant.
Does Danthonia sericea need seasonal care?
Danthonia sericea requires minimal seasonal care. As a perennial grass, foliage dies back in late fall and winter, with new growth emerging in spring. Cut back old growth in late winter before new shoots appear. The species is fire-tolerant and will readily resprout from rhizomes and crowns after burning, making it suitable for prescribed burn management in restoration settings.
