California Oatgrass

Danthonia californica

Poaceae · grass grasslike · introduced

Last updated March 8, 2026

Data Maturity Baseline

This profile contains verified botanical data. Regional field notes and expert review are in progress.

Quick Facts

Height

2 ft

Growth Rate

Moderate

Light

Full Sun

Soil

Moist

Water

Moderate

Hardiness

Zone Zones 9a–9b

Bloom Time

Mar 1-Mar 31

Stage	Typical Window	What to Look For
Bud break BBCH 07	Feb 15-Mar 15	Buds swelling and beginning to open; first green tissue visible
Leaf emergence BBCH 11	Mar 1-Apr 1	First leaves fully unfurled on new growth
Bloom start BBCH 61	Mar 1-Mar 31	First open flowers visible
Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69	Apr 1-Apr 15	Last petals falling; flower structures fading
Fruit/seed development BBCH 71	Mar 15-May 31	Fruit or seed structures forming; fruit color: brown
Leaf drop BBCH 93	Oct 15-Nov 30	Leaves yellowing and dropping; no significant fall color display
Dormancy BBCH 97	Nov 15-Feb 28	Leafless; no active growth; dormant buds set