Protected Series:
Zone: 5NORTHERN SEA OATS
Chasmanthium latifolium, commonly known as Northern Sea Oats, is a highly ornamental native grass prized for its unique, drooping seed heads and bamboo-like foliage. Unlike most sun-loving prairie grasses, this species features wide, bright green blades that form an upright to arching clump reaching 2 to 3 feet tall. Its most distinctive feature appears in mid-summer - flat, dangling seed clusters that resemble shimmering green oats. As autumn approaches, both the foliage and the seed heads shift to a rich, warm copper or bronzy-tan, providing excellent visual interest and a soft "rustling" sound in the wind throughout the winter months.
Caring for Northern Sea Oats is exceptionally easy, as it is one of the few ornamental grasses that truly thrives in partial shade to full shade, though it can handle full sun in cooler climates if kept moist. It is highly adaptable to a variety of soil types, from rich woods to heavy clay, and is notably moisture-tolerant, making it a perfect candidate for rain gardens or shaded creek banks. Once established, it is remarkably drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. To maintain its appearance, simply cut the dried stalks back to about 2-3 inches in late winter or early spring before new growth begins; however, be aware that it can be a prolific self-seeder, so removing the seed heads before they drop in winter can help control its spread if a tidy garden is preferred.
| PLANT | SIZE | TYPE | GALENA | ADD'L | DIG | SOON |
| CHASMANTHIUM LATIFOLIUM | con 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 200 |
Current inventory will be listed above this line. This plant will not be in the cart if there is no Galena stock listed. Contact Sales Rep for details. | Click for Availability column key & information.
To help Chasmanthium settle in and thrive, we recommend these standard planting practices: Plant in partial to full shade in rich, moist soil. Chasmanthium latifolium (Northern Sea Oats) is one of the few ornamental grasses that thrives in shade, prized for its distinctive, pendulous, oat-like seed heads that provide excellent architectural interest from late summer into winter. While it is a clump-forming perennial, it can be a prolific self-seeder; consider deadheading the plumes before seeds mature if you want to limit its spread in the garden. Cut the foliage back to the ground in late winter or early spring to refresh the plant for the upcoming season.
AVAILABLE VARIETIES:
No other plants currently in stock for this genus.