Blue Oat Grass

Blue oat grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens, Poaceae) is a clump-forming, cool-season ornamental bunchgrass from central and southwest European grasslands, reaching 2 to 3 feet tall (foliage to 2 feet with flower stems extending higher). Steel-blue, spiky leaf blades (to 18 inches long) form a dense porcupine-like mound. Bluish-brown flowers appear in open panicles in June.

Blue oat grass grows in full sun on dry to medium well-drained soil; blue color is most intense on drier sites. It tolerates drought, deer, black walnut proximity, and urban conditions. Cultivars include 'Sapphire' (intense blue foliage). No significant pest or disease issues are documented.