Chasmanthium Latifolium 1 Gal

Indian Wood Oats, Inland Sea Oats, Northern Sea Oats, River Oats, Wild Oats, Wood-oat
Chamanthium latifolium

Native to WNC, and much of the Southeast. Perennial clump forming cool season grasses. The distinctive flat nodding seed heads that resemble oats emerge green in spring, turn tan in summer and then purplish in fall. The seed heads sway gracefully in the slightest breeze, bringing gentle movement to the garden. The bamboo-like foliage often turn yellow-gold in fall if given enough sun. In the wild, these are found along streambanks. 

This plant is a larval host plant for butterflies as well as a food source for small mammals and birds. It is easily grown in moist to wet well-drained soils in part sun to part shade. It is fairly tolerant of shade, especially for an ornamental grass. These are a great option for difficult areas, and poor soils. We love using these as dried flowers!

Ideal for: Butterfly Gardens, Cottage Gardens, Native Gardens, Pollinator Gardens, Rain Gardens, Shade Gardens, Water Gardens, Winter Gardens, and more!

🏆Award winning! 1994 NC Wildflower of the Year.

❤️RCN Staff Favorite - we LOVE using these as dried flowers.

🐦Help Birds: According to the Audubon Society, these can help feed and attract Cardinals, Chickadees, Crows, Finches, Nuthatches, New World Sparrows, and more to the garden.

🦋Help butterflies and moths: In NC, these plants have been found to be the host plants for up to 6 butterfly species, and 4 moth species.

🦌Extremely Deer Resistant: these plants are extremely resistant to damage from deer and other herbivores.

💧Moisture: These plants love water! Be generous, especially when they are young and during any dry spells.

🌳Juglone resistant: These trees can be planted near Black Walnut trees.

These plants prefer partial shade, but can be grown in full sun if they have sufficient water.

2-5'T x 1-2'W.

Zones 5a-9b, cold hardy down to -20F.

💚Plant Nerd: The seed heads are edible. Some Native American tribes have harvested them to use like rice or wheat. They are also used in Korea as plants for green roofs (best on flat roofs). There is conflicting information from high-quality sources as to whether or not these plants have any salt tolerance.