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woodoats

Scientific Name: Chasmanthium

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Chasmanthium latifolium: A Graceful Ornamental Grass

Chasmanthium latifolium, commonly known as Woodoats, Inland Sea Oats, Northern Sea Oats, or River Oats, is a perennial grass prized for its graceful appearance and adaptability.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Chasmanthium latifolium (Michx.) Yates
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
  • Synonyms: Uniola latifolia, Cassia fasciculata Michaux

Common Names

  • Woodoats
  • Inland Sea Oats
  • Northern Sea Oats
  • River Oats
  • Indian Woodoats
  • Broadleaf Woodoats
  • Wild Oats
  • Flathead Oats
  • Upland Oats
  • Upland Sea Oats
  • Bamboo Grass

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the central and eastern United States.
  • Well-suited for naturalistic plantings and restoration projects.
  • Can be found in moist loams and has been planted to help stabilize sandy dunes.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • A perennial grass, typically growing to 1-2 feet tall, though some sources mention heights of 2-5 feet.
  • Clump-forming habit, forming mounds up to 4 feet tall.
  • Leaves are described as bamboo-like, green to blue-green, and arching, turning shades of bronze in the fall.
  • Culms are erect, simple or sparingly branched, hollow, glabrous, and ribbed.
  • Blades are flat, 2 to 8.5 inches long, and .25 to 1 inch wide.
  • Flattened green flower spikelets dangle from gracefully arching peduncles.

Ecological Role

  • May self-sow somewhat in the garden.
  • Provides good grazing for wildlife and livestock.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is a grass that produces seeds; ingestion of seeds or plant material might cause gastrointestinal upset in some animals.

Other Interesting Details

  • Hardy to zone (UK) 4.
  • Flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs).
  • A warm-season grass.

Further Information

  • Dave's Garden (website with community tips and ideas for gardens, seeds, and plants)
  • USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center
  • Digging Dog Mail Order Nursery
  • Discover Life (biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution)