(photo from Learningherbs.com)

Oatstraw

Botanical Name: Avena sativa.

Other Common Names: Common oat, groats, herb oats, oatgrass, oats, wild oats.

Habitat: Oat straw grows in moderate temperatures such as Northern Europe. It grows well in dry wastelands, cultivated ground, and meadows alike. It is a hardy zone 2-type plant that can be grown in heavier soils although it normally prefers sandy or loamy soils. It requires good drainage but can grow in a high acid soil. It does require sun, and cannot grow in the shade. Oat straw tolerates drought well. Although it is widely distributed as a cereal crop it is just as often found in garden beds or planted to prevent soil erosion. The fruit, seeds, and straw are typically gathered in August.

Plant Description: The oat straw plant is an annual grass. It stands erect with a flat, rough, but elongated leaf…