Holcus lanatus
dart grass
Densely tufted, native perennial grass about 1m tall, with softly-hairy, upright stems, flat grey-green leaves and purplish-red tinged single spikelets produced at the end of the stems in summer, followed by greyish-pink seed heads
Other common names
duffel grasshose grass
see moremeadow soft grass
midge grass
rot grass
soft grass
velvet grass
Yorkshire fog
Synonyms
Avena lanata
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Purple | Grey Silver Green | ||
| Autumn | Grey Silver Green | Grey Silver Pink | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen or Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Holcus can be annual or rhizomatous perennial grasses, with soft, linear leaves and dense, pale green or pinkish flowering panicles in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Eurasia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any poor to moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Intolerant of full sun on poor dry soil
Propagation
Propagate by seed or propagate by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Prairie planting
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Trim after flowering and deadhead to prevent self-seeding as it can be a nuisance
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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