Northern Sea Oats

Chasmanthium latifolium

Introduction

Also called River oats, this is a very ornamental grass that is easily identifiable from its drooping inflorescences and compressed spikelets. It is commonly used as a low-maintenance shade grass or used to prevent soil erosion. It readily self-seeds and can become a dense mat in a short amount of time. If River Oats become too aggressive, they are easily transplanted or removed. River Oats thrive in moist sand, loam, and clay.

The pale green spikelets turn golden-brown by fall. The seed stalks are beautiful all year long and are commonly used in native flower arrangements or dried arrangements. The seeds are often consumed by birds and small mammals. River Oats is one of the host plants of the Pepper and Salt Skipper.

---