northern sea oats Interesting Notes

Chasmanthium latifolium is a treat in the garden. A tall, clump-forming, upright ornamental grass, it grows 2’-4’ tall with very distinguished seedheads. The flat seedheads droop, stirring and waving in the breeze, turning a lovely honey brown in the fall as the low warm light hits them. The seedheads keep well for flower arrangements and river oats stay upright through winter providing textural interest and movement in a winter garden.

Endemic to the eastern United States, Northern sea oats most often occurs in rich woods or rocky slopes along streams and on moist bluffs. Adaptable in full sun to shade in moist sites to dry areas in average garden soil to clay to lean—if a garden design has the space for it, Chasmanthium latifolium would be a welcome addition. It prefers areas with moist fertile soils in and in optimum conditions, will self-sow enthusiastically.

Wonderful to plant on banks for erosion control and in wild areas with minimal management, we place Chasmanthium latifolium anywhere that we need a bold stroke of texture and coverage. It is great for suppressing other weeds, has high salt tolerance, and is a host plant for a several species of Roadside Skippers.

Chasmanthium latifolium Growing and Maintenance Tips

Chasmanthium latifolium is a great choice for stabilization of a stream bank or a shady hill. It is happiest in a moist, partly shady site, but in such a place it will roam rampantly. In a drier location it is kept in check, but still looks lovely. Excellent salt tolerance. Propagate by division and seed.