Tall Oatgrass
Scientific name: Arrhenatherum elatius (L.) P.Beauv. ex J.Presl & C.Presl
Family: Poaceae
MORPHOLOGY
Growth habit and size: Tufted, perennial herbaceous plant, oat-like, reaching a height of 50-120 (150) cm, with a branching rhizome, sometimes briefly stoloniferous, with yellow-orange roots. Basal withered leaves are present.
Stem: Ascending cylindrical stems, glabrous and robust with 3-5 nodes.
Leaves: Flat, rough leaves, with a blade of 5(8) mm and a short, truncated membranous ligule (1.5 mm), blunt at the apex.
Flowers: Inflorescence in a wide and rich elongated and flexuous pyramidal panicle of 10-25(30) cm consisting of floral spikelets arranged on long rough peduncles, spreading-reflexed at the time of anthesis. Spikelets (8-10 mm) are two-flowered, yellow-green and shiny, often streaked with purple, and are glabrous or surrounded by a tuft of hairs at the base. Blooms from April to July.
Fruits and seeds: The fruit is a very small awned caryopsis.
DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT
Widespread throughout Italy, in stable and mowed meadows (synanthropic behavior), grassy areas, roadside edges, hedges, shrubs, from 0 to 1,800 m (rarely up to 2500 m).
USE
A decoction of the bulbils is used in folk medicine against colds, although rarely mentioned in folk medicine. Before taking any plant-based product (medicinal or non-medicinal) for therapeutic or similar purposes, it is always advisable to consult your doctor.
INTERESTING FACTS
It is very leafy, fast-growing, with deep roots resistant to drought, and is therefore of considerable value for haymaking during dry weather. However, it does not live long and cannot withstand intense grazing. A variegated form of Arrhenatherum elatius (var. variegatum) with green leaves streaked with white, is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental garden plant.
Photo: Under a free license from Saxifraga, Roel Meijer, Jasenka Topic
