Source: Magness et al. 1971
Tall oatgrass, native to Europe, was brought to the United States early in the last century. It is now grown widely in the central and northern states, and in the Pacific Northwest. It is a hardy, upright perennial bunchgrass reaching to 5 feet, with many leaves. The seed head resembles that of oats, hence the name. It tends to grow in bunches and is well adapted to light textured soils. It is suitable for pastures and yields a palatable hay. It is frequently seeded in combination with other grasses and legumes as sweet and red clovers. It is shorter lived than most bunchgrasses.