Blue Oat Grass

Helictotrichon sempervirens, commonly called blue oat grass, is a clump-forming, cool season, ornamental grass which typically grows 2-3' tall (foliage clump to 2' and flower stem brings total height to 3') with a similar spread. Features very narrow (3/8" wide), spiky, steel blue leaf blades (to 18") which form a rounded, porcupine-like clump. Resembles blue fescue (Festuca glauca), but is significantly larger. Spikelets of bluish-brown flowers arranged in open, one-sided panicles arching at the tip appear on erect stems rising well above the foliage clump in June. Flower spikelets mature to a golden wheat colour by fall.Genus name comes from the Greek helictos meaning twisted and trichos meaning a hair for the twisted base of the awns.Specific epithet means ever green.'Saphirsprudel' typically grows 2-3' tall (foliage clump to 18" with flower spikes rising above the foliage to 24-36"). Primarily differs from the species by having slightly wider leaf blades, better blue colour, better disease resistance (especially to rust) and better tolerance for heat and humidity. This cultivar is sold under its original German name of 'Saphirsprudel' as well as under various translated cultivar names such as 'Sapphire' and 'Sapphire Fountain', all of which are synonymous.