northern sea oats
Chasmanthium latifolium
USDA zones4 to 9
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size2 to 5 feet tall1 to 2.5 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Grass/grass-like
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Green
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Northern sea oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) is a grass for shade gardens, rain gardens, borders, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to wet soil of most types. Its drooping, oat-like seedheads turn ivory and then brown, and the leaves often turn yellow-gold in fall. It reseeds easily, so give it room. Deer tend to browse other plants first.
Pairs well with Joe Pye weed, Cinnamon fern, and Obedient plant.
Native range
Eastern United States and northern Mexico.