The New Zealand Plant Conservation Network

Species

Arrhenatherum elatius subsp. elatius

Common Name(s)

tall oat grass

Authority

Arrhenatherum elatius subsp. elatius (L.) J.Presl et C.Presl.

Family

Poaceae

Flora Category

Vascular - Exotic

Structural Class

Grasses

Habitat

Terrestrial.

Features

Tallish, erect, tufted, perennial grass. Roots fibrous, yellow to orange. Stems rounded, emerging leaves rolled; sheaths smooth with yellow to orange base. Leaves long and narrow, 100-400 x 4-10 mm, flat, harsh, dull bluish-green, with yellowish lines when held to light, usually with scattered hairs above, bitter taste; ligule 1-3 mm long, membranous, white, serrate along edge. Seedhead a narrow panicle. Seeds large, oat-like, with papery covering and a spiky appearance (awned) (Weed Manager).

Year Naturalised

1871

Origin

Eurasia, Nth Africa

This page last updated on 9 Jun 2010