Relatives
Avena cultiformis (Malz.) Malz. - Similiar oat.
Taxonomic position.
Family Poaceae Barnhart., genus Avena L.Synonyms.
Avena fatua subsp. cultiformis Malz.Biology and morphology.
Annual herb. Stems glabrous, 60-80 cm tall. Panicle diffuse, 15.0-30.0 cm long. Spikelets 2.0-3.0 cm long; 2-3 flowers per spikelet. Spikelet.s axis fragile, articulated under each flower in the spikelet. Glume is 17-25 mm long. Lemma is glabrous, 2.0 mm long with an awn 2.5 mm long. Self-pollinated. Blossoms in April-May; seeds ripen in June-July. 2n = 42.Distribution.
Ukraine and European Russia.Ecology.
Occurs on open slopes, in meadows, along roadsides, as a ruderal plant in fields, and on plains.Utilization and economic value.
Wild relative of cultivated Avena sativa L. Grain may be used for food.Good forage and pasture grass while young. High palatability by cattle, sheep, goats and horses. Can be used for grazing and for hay. Ruderal plant also.
Literature cited:
Brezhnev D.D., Korovina O.N. 1980. Wild relatives of the cultivated plants of flora of the USSR. - L.: Kolos, 376 pp. (in Russian).Fedorov A.A., ed. 1974. Flora of the European part of the USSR. L.: Nauka, Vol. 1. 404 pp. (in Russian).
Rozhevitz, P.U., and V.K. Shishkin, eds. 1937. Flora of the USSR. M.-L.: USSR, Vol. 2. 778 pp. (in Russian).
Shelyag-Sosonko, Y.P., ed. 1977. Grasses of Ukraine Kiev: Naukova Dumka. 518 pp. (in Russian).
Tzvelev N.N. 1976. Poaceae USSR. - L.: Nauka. 788 pp. (in Russian).