Inland Sea Oats

Chasmanthium latifolium is a charming, upright, clump-forming ornamental grass that hails from Missouri. You can often find it gracing rich woods, moist bluffs, and rocky slopes along streams. This lovely grass features flat, drooping seed heads that cluster gracefully at the top of slightly arching stems. Initially, the seed heads are a vibrant green, but by late summer, they transform into a beautiful purplish bronze, gently swaying in even the lightest breezes. Its bright green leaves also undergo a delightful change, turning coppery after frost and eventually settling into a warm brown by winter. It's a fantastic option for dried flower arrangements, adding creative flair. You might also hear it called inland sea oats, as its seed heads resemble those of oats. Previously, it was known as Uniola latifolia.

Chasmanthium latifolium is super easy to grow and flourishes in average, medium to wet, well-drained soil, whether in full sun or part shade. While it can handle less-than-perfect soils, it truly prefers moist, fertile soil and stands out as one of the more shade-tolerant ornamental grasses. This grass can self-seed and might spread quite enthusiastically! Leaving the foliage in place through the winter adds character to your landscape while helping protect the crowns from chilly temperatures. Come early spring, it's good to cut it back to the ground for fresh growth.