California Oatgrass

Danthonia californica

Poaceae · grass grasslike · native

Last updated March 8, 2026

Quick Facts

Height

2 ft

Growth Rate

Moderate

Light

Full Sun

Soil

Moist

Water

Moderate

Hardiness

Zones 9a–9b

Bloom Time

early spring

Origin

Pacific Northwest native

View full calendar (7 stages)

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

Data Maturity

Baseline Extension data. Expert review underway.