Tall Oatgrass: A European Ornamental with Garden Appeal
If you’re looking for an ornamental grass that brings texture and movement to your garden, tall oatgrass (Arrhenatherum elatius var. bulbosum) might catch your eye. This perennial grass, also known by its more formal name bulbous oat grass, has been making itself at home in American gardens and landscapes for quite some time.
What Exactly Is Tall Oatgrass?
Tall oatgrass is a clump-forming perennial grass that originally hails from Europe and the Mediterranean region. It’s part of the larger grass family (Poaceae) and has earned its place in ornamental gardening thanks to its attractive seed heads and relatively easy-going nature. The bulbosum part of its scientific name refers to the small bulb-like structures at the base of the stems, which help the plant spread and establish itself.
Where You’ll Find It Growing
This non-native species has established itself across a good chunk of the United States. You can find tall oatgrass growing in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. It’s one of those plants that has managed to reproduce and persist on its own in the wild, showing just how adaptable it can be.
Should You Plant Tall Oatgrass in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting. Tall oatgrass can be a lovely addition to certain garden styles, but there are a few things to consider:
The Good Stuff
- Attractive ornamental value with graceful seed heads
- Forms nice clumps that add texture to borders
- Generally easy to grow and maintain
- Adapts well to various soil conditions
- Hardy across USDA zones 4-9
Things to Keep in Mind
- It’s not a native species, so it won’t support local ecosystems like native grasses would
- Can self-seed and spread, which might not be what you want in a formal garden
- Offers limited benefits to pollinators since it’s wind-pollinated
Where Tall Oatgrass Shines
This grass works particularly well in cottage gardens, naturalized landscapes, and ornamental grass gardens where a more relaxed, informal look is desired. It’s not the best choice if you’re going for a highly manicured appearance, but it’s perfect for those lived-in garden spaces that feel comfortable and unpretentious.
Growing Tall Oatgrass Successfully
The good news is that tall oatgrass isn’t particularly fussy about its growing conditions. Here’s what you need to know:
Planting Conditions
- Prefers well-drained soil but adapts to various soil types
- Tolerates both full sun and partial shade
- Hardy in USDA zones 4-9
- Drought tolerant once established
Care and Maintenance
- Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish roots
- Once established, it’s quite drought tolerant
- Cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth appears
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years if they become too large
- Watch for self-seeding if you want to control its spread
Consider Native Alternatives
While tall oatgrass can be an attractive garden addition, you might want to consider native grass alternatives that provide similar ornamental value while supporting local wildlife and ecosystems. Depending on your region, options might include native bunch grasses or other ornamental species that naturally occur in your area. These natives will be better adapted to your local conditions and provide food and habitat for local birds and beneficial insects.
The Bottom Line
Tall oatgrass can work well in the right garden setting, particularly if you’re going for a naturalized or cottage garden look. It’s relatively low-maintenance and provides nice textural interest. However, as a non-native species with limited ecological benefits, it’s worth considering whether a native alternative might be a better choice for your specific situation and gardening goals.
If you do decide to plant it, just keep an eye on its spreading tendencies and be prepared to manage it accordingly. After all, the best garden plant is one that fits both your aesthetic vision and your maintenance style!
