How much sun does Intermediate Oat Grass need?

Intermediate Oat Grass grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Intermediate Oat Grass bloom?

Intermediate Oat Grass blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Intermediate Oat Grass native?

Intermediate Oat Grass (Danthonia intermedia) is native to AR, AZ, CA, CO and 10 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Intermediate Oat Grass toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Intermediate Oat Grass as toxic to livestock.

Is Intermediate Oat Grass HOA-friendly?

Intermediate Oat Grass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Intermediate Oat Grass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Danthonia intermedia

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Intermediate Oat Grass (Danthonia intermedia) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Intermediate Oat Grass as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AR, AZ, CA, CO and 10 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains

Intermediate oat grass is a compact perennial bunch grass that forms neat clumps reaching 12-24 inches tall. It produces delicate seed heads from May through July and tolerates partial sun conditions with moderate water needs. This grass maintains a tidy, mounded appearance that works well in structured landscapes.

In an HOA neighborhood

Intermediate Oat Grass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

May appear weedy during seed production phase
Unknown leaf retention could affect winter appearance

Wildlife value

The seed heads provide food for birds and small wildlife. As a native grass, it supports local ecosystem health and provides habitat for beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Intermediate Oat Grass need?: Intermediate Oat Grass grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Intermediate Oat Grass bloom?: Intermediate Oat Grass blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Intermediate Oat Grass native?: Intermediate Oat Grass (Danthonia intermedia) is native to AR, AZ, CA, CO and 10 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Intermediate Oat Grass toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Intermediate Oat Grass as toxic to livestock.
Is Intermediate Oat Grass HOA-friendly?: Intermediate Oat Grass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Intermediate Oat Grass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz