Habitat
Welcome to the Habitat page! Here you will learn about the
regions California oatgrass inhabits and how it may not be too
far off from your own home!
The species Danthonia californica most commonly
inhabits temperate regions, but is also found on tropical
mountains and in some dry areas. This oatgrass thrives best in the
southern hemisphere, specifically Australia, New Zealand, South
Africa, and South America, and even Central and North Africa,
although this oatgrass has gradually moved up into the Northern
hemisphere particularly in California (de Wet, J. M. J. 1954).
When some people think of California they imagine the crowded
beaches and palms trees lining boardwalks, although this state
contains many different habitats for thousands of species to
live in! The cold pacific waters lining the rocky shore in the
North by Crescent City, or the scorching sun beating down on dry
air when you head down to San Diego, along with the cool breezes
you might feel and 60 degree weather in San Francisco are all
places that offer many different environments for species to
inhabit and enjoy. Danthonia californica best prefer
the perennial grasslands in Northern California where the region
has temperate temperatures. The state of California contains a temperate climate which
allows a number of grasslands to thrive and grow beautifully throughout the area. California
has
numerous grasslands that serve as a home for
Danthonia californica, or better known as California oatgrass. These
grasslands are like other temperate and Mediterranean grasslands
that have highly threatened eco systems and are a target for
the efforts of resotration to take place (Hayes and Holl 2011). These coastal
prairies are Mediterranean grasslands that have a moderate
amount of moisture, and are spread out randomly from Oregon to
the Channel Islands of California (Hayes and Holl 2011). In
Northwestern California in the rangeland of Humboldt County, the
territory is best known for the strong presence of California
annual type grasses that flourish alongside perennial grasses
native to the area (Heady et al. 1963).
Danthonia californica,
or California oatgrass is one of the perennial grasses that is
most important to the area, growing in abundance alongside the
other grasses such as
Bromus mollis, or better known as
Soft Chess. Many other perennial grasses inhabit Northern
California grasslands because the climate is not too hot or too
cold, but temperate climate, which allows many oatgrasses to
thrive and cover fields and hills with its tall stems and
elegantly shaped tops, especially Danthonia californica
and Bromus mollis. California
oatgrass have a high grazing preference from August to April,
but a moderate grazing preference in May through June. The
oatgrass leaves often grow 6-18 inches during May through June,
and the seeds maturing at 18 inches.
Let's learn more about how California oatgrass adapts to the organisms living around it!