Arrhenatherum elatius (L.) P.Beauv. ex J.Presl & C.Presl
Bulbous Oatgrass
False oat-grass is a tall, tufted perennial native to Britain and across Europe, instantly recognisable in early summer by its loose, shimmering flowerheads that hang in airy, oat-like panicles, often flushed with purple before fading to pale gold. The leaves are broad, flat and slightly rough, and the plant grows vigorously to form bold clumps that stand well above shorter grasses.
About
False oat-grass is a tall, tufted perennial native to Britain and across Europe, instantly recognisable in early summer by its loose, shimmering flowerheads that hang in airy, oat-like panicles, often flushed with purple before fading to pale gold. The leaves are broad, flat and slightly rough, and the plant grows vigorously to form bold clumps that stand well above shorter grasses.
It is one of the commonest grasses of roadside verges, railway banks, rough field margins and unmanaged meadows, thriving on a wide range of well-drained, fertile soils in sun or light shade. A robust competitor, it can dominate ungrazed or uncut ground, so it suits taller meadow and verge mixes rather than fine lawns. The variant known as onion couch produces swollen, bulb-like bases that allow it to regrow from fragments. Its abundant foliage and seed offer cover and food for invertebrates and small birds.
Also known as
False Oat-Grass · Onion Couch · Onion Twitch · Onion-root Twitch · Ray-grass-de-france · Tall Oat Grass · Tall Oatgrass · false oatgrass · meadow oatgrass
Synonyms
Arrhenatherum avenaceum · Arrhenatherum avenaceum nodosum · Arrhenatherum avenaceum precatorium · Arrhenatherum avenaceum submuticum · Arrhenatherum bulbosum variegatum · Arrhenatherum elatior · Arrhenatherum elatius biflorum · Arrhenatherum elatius elatius · Arrhenatherum elatius glabrum · Arrhenatherum elatius nodosum · Arrhenatherum elatius zapaloxiczii
In our seed mixes
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.