Poaceae FAMILY

Avena sativa

Edibility

4/5

Medicinal

2/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Botanical Description

Avena sativa is an erect, annual grass with culms 40 - 180cm tall. Oats have a long history of cultivation as a food crop, and are widely cultivated, mainly in the temperate zone, for their edible seed which is a staple food for many people. The plant also has a range of medicinal virtues, whilst its dried stems have various applications.

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeA widely cultivated food crop, it probably originated in western Asia around Iran and Iraq

HabitatDry wasteland, cultivated ground and meadows, especially on heavier soils[ 200 Title The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. Publication Author Huxley. A. Publisher MacMillan Press Year 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5 Description Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed. ].