Avena sativa Oat (Gramineae)

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Avena sativa
Oat
(1 Page of 5)

The Avena sativa plant species is found in N. Europe. A non-persistant relic of cultivation in Britain[17]. It is a member of the Gramineae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Oat.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Avena sativa
Common Name:  Oat
Family:  Gramineae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  0.9   Mature Width:  0.1

Habitat:  Dry wasteland, cultivated ground and meadows, especially on heavier soils[200].

Edible Uses: Seed - cooked[2, 34, 46, 177]. The seed ripens in the latter half of summer and, when harvested and dried, can store for several years. It has a flouy texture and a mild, somewhat creamy flavour. It can be used as a staple food crop in either savoury or sweet dishes. Used as a cereal, it is probably best known as the breakfast cereal porridge but it can also be used in many other ways. The seed can be sprouted and used in salads[183], the grain can also be ground into a flour and used in making biscuits, sourdough etc[183]. The seed is especially good for convallescents and people with stomach problems[13]. Oats are also one of the cereals used as a basic ingredient for making whisky[7]. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute[177, 183]. An edible oil is obtained from the seed, it is used in the manufacture of breakfast cereals[61].

For further Avena sativa gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future