Inland Seaoats

Chasmanthium latifolium is an upright, clump-forming ornamental grass that is native to Missouri. It is commonly found in rich woods, moist bluffs, and rocky slopes along streams. This grass is characterized by its flat, drooping seed heads that hang in terminal clusters on slightly arching stems. The seed heads are green at first but turn purplish bronze by late summer and will sway in even the softest of breezes. The leaves of this grass are bright green and turn coppery after frost, eventually turning brown in winter. It is an excellent choice for dried flower arrangements. Inland sea oats are a common name for this grass due to the similarity of its seed heads to those of oats. It was formerly known as Uniola latifolia.

Chasmanthium latifolium is easy to grow and thrives in average, medium to wet, well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Although it can tolerate poor soils, it prefers moist, fertile soils and is one of the more shade-tolerant ornamental grasses. This grass can self-seed and may spread aggressively. Leaving the foliage in place over winter adds interest to the landscape and helps protect the crowns from the cold. It should be cut back to the ground in early spring.