Chasmanthium latifolium - Northern Sea Oats

Morphology/Growth Habits: Chasmanthium latifolium is an ornamental grass known best for its flat seed heads that resemble oats and dance gracefully in the wind. Bright green, bamboo-like foliage. Grows upright and forms clumps over time. This grass spreads easily through rhizomes and seeds. Foliage should be retained through the winter to protect the plant.

Height: 2-4 ft.

Light: Part Sun-Part Shade

Moisture: Medium-Wet

Bloom color: Green

Bloom time: August-September

Habitat/Best Environments: Found in shaded slopes and streambanks. Prefers partial shade with rich soils. One of the most shade-tolerant grasses, making it a great option for planting under tree shade. Its rhizomes make it great for erosion control. 

Ecological relationships: Chasmanthium latifolium is a larvae host to caterpillars of Northern pearly eyed butterflies, and skippers. Birds also use the grass as cover and feed on seeds from the plant. *Seeds are also edible for humans! 

*Please soil test and do proper research before growing a plant for human consumption.