poverty oat grass

Poverty oat grass, scientifically known as Danthonia spicata, is a type of perennial grass belonging to the Danthonia genus. It is characterized by its grayish-green color and a mat-forming growth habit, thriving in dry, poor soil conditions found in many parts of North America.1

While the term "poverty grass" can refer to several slender grasses, it specifically includes this species of oat grass. Oat grasses, in general, are named for their resemblance to true oats (Avena sativa) and often feature dense seed spikelets. Some species are cultivated for forage and pasture.21