Colloidal oat, also known by the scientific name Avena strigosa, is a species of oat native to Europe. It is characterized by spikes in the shape of a propeller, hence its name. Helical oats are grown both as a forage plant and as a cover crop in sustainable agriculture. It is appreciated for its resistance to cold, its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and to improve the structure of the soil. Moreover, helical oatmeal is also used in some cosmetic products for its moisturizing and skin-soothing properties.