False oat is commonly known as wild oats. The scientific name for it is Avena fatua. This weed often grows in fields, gardens, and other locations where plants are cultivated. Sometimes, false oats get mistaken for actual oats, but they're not edible like the domesticated crop. There are several synonyms or alternative names for false oat. These include fitch, wild oats, black oats, and bristle oat. Some people may also refer to false oats as corn oats, oat grass, or oat straw. False oats can be a nuisance for those looking to grow crops but are used in some traditional medicine practices.