Chasmanthium latifolium

Northern Sea Oats
Chasmanthium Latifolium
Type: Perennial Ornamental Grass
Exposure: Sun / Part Shade
Water: Regular

This unique ornamental grass is a native of the eastern and southern parts of the USA. Broad, flat, pointed green leaves that resemble those of bamboo form a loose clump to 3ft (90cm) high and wide. These support thin, gracefully arching stems that hold flowers described as looking like flattened oats with their intricate herringbone pattern of overlapping layers. These begin as a silvery-green in summer, and arch up and out of the tuft of foliage to sway in every little breeze. In fall the leaves turn yellow and the flowers (by now seedheads) mature to a rich coppery color, prized for their use in autumnal flower arrangements. These look particularly at home in a woodland type of garden. Cut them to the ground in late winter or early spring, before the new growth emerges.

Cheers,

John