Intermediate oat grass (Danthonia intermedia, Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 10: 52 (1883))

Family: Poaceae

Author: Vasey

Bibliography: Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 10: 52 (1883)

Year: 1883

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Danthonia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Russian Far East, Canada to W. & EC. U.S.A.

Description

Intermediate oat grass, scientifically known as Danthonia intermedia, is a noteworthy species within the Poaceae family. First described by Vasey in 1883, this perennial grass has been well-documented in various botanical studies, including a notable mention in the Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club.

Primarily observed in the Russian Far East, Danthonia intermedia boasts a widespread presence across Canada, extending into the western and eastern regions of the United States. The grass thrives in a variety of climates and is commonly found in prairies, meadows, and open forested areas, indicating its adaptability to diverse environmental conditions.

Intermediate oat grass plays a crucial role in local ecosystems. It provides a reliable source of forage for grazing animals and contributes to soil stabilization with its dense root systems. The grass’s resilience to different weather patterns and soil types makes it a valuable species for ecological conservation and rehabilitation projects.

Recognized for its hardy nature and ecological importance, Danthonia intermedia continues to be a subject of interest among botanists and ecologists. Its ability to adapt and flourish in a range of habitats underscores the significance of preserving this versatile and beneficial grass species for future generations.

Common Names

Eng: intermediate oat grass, timber oat grass, timber oatgrass, vasey’s oatgrass, vasey’s wild oatgrass, intermediate oatgrass
Fra: danthonie intermédiaire
En: Intermediate oat grass, Timber oat grass, Timber oatgrass, Timber Wild Oat Grass, Vasey’s oatgrass, Vasey’s wild oatgrass, Intermediate oatgrass
Ar: دنطوان متوسط
Fr: Danthonie intermédiaire

Synonyms

• Pentameris intermedia ((Vasey) A.Nelson & J.F.Macbr.)
• Merathrepta intermedia ((Vasey) Piper)

Distribution

• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Québec (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Dec 19, 2014 by EOL − podiceps (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Dec 19, 2014 by EOL − podiceps (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2703253)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:397597-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Danthonia intermedia Vasey)

Specifications

Growth form>: Bunch

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.8

Ph minimum: 6.0