| Avena barbata | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| (unranked): | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Genus: | Avena |
| Species: | A. barbata |
| Binomial name | |
| Avena barbata Pott ex Link |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Avena hirsuta |
|
Avena barbata is a species of wild oat known by the common name slender wild oat. It has edible seeds. It is native to central Asia and the Mediterranean Basin. It is also known in North America as an introduced species and noxious weed. It is widespread in California, where it has displaced native species of grass.[1] This is a winter annual grass with thin stems growing up to 60 to 80 centimeters in maximum height, but known to sometimes grow taller. The bristly spikelets are 2 to 3 centimeters long, not counting the bent awn which is up to 4 centimeters in length.