Slender Oat (Avena barbata)

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Avena barbata is a ANNUAL at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

mild, somewhat creamy flavour. — The seed ripens in the latter half of summer and, when harvested and dried, can store for several years.; It has a floury texture and a mild, somewhat creamy flavour.; It can be used as a staple food crop in either savoury or sweet dishes.; The seed can be cooked whole, though it is more commonly ground into a flour and used as a cereal in all the ways that oats are used, especially as a porridge but also to make biscuits, sourdough bread etc.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry wasteland, cultivated ground and meadows, especially on heavier soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)