SafePlants

Slender Woodoats (Chasmanthium laxum)

Slender Woodoats, scientifically known as Chasmanthium laxum, is a graceful perennial grass suitable for various landscaping and ecological purposes.

Considerations for Pets

• As a grass, Chasmanthium laxum features slender, arching branches, which may be tempting for pets to chew on.
• The plant produces oat-like flower spikelets. These small parts could pose a choking hazard if ingested, especially for smaller animals.

Scientific Classification and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chasmanthium laxum (L.) Yates
• Common Names: Slender Woodoats, Slender Spikegrass, Slender Chasmanthium
• Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
• Synonyms: Uniola laxa (Linnaeus) Britton, Sterns, & Poggenburg, Uniola laxa
• Varieties: Chasmanthium laxum var. sessiliflorum

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the southeastern and south-central United States, including Texas and Florida.
• Well-suited for shady or partially sunny areas.
• Often found along wooded edges and in wetland flora.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A perennial graminoid with a spring growth period.
• Reaches 2-4 feet in height and has a clump-forming growth habit.
• Features large, drooping, oat-like flower spikelets on slender, arching branches.
• Foliage is green, sometimes with a blue-green hue.
• Deciduous leaves.
• Bloom period is typically in the summer, with green flowers.

Ecological Role

• Well-suited for naturalistic plantings and restoration projects.
• Can be used in combination with other plants, like bluestem (Andropogon ternarius) and bushy bluestem (Andropogon glomeratus).

Quirky Facts

• Also known as slender spikegrass.

Further Resources

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• Discover Life
• Dave's Garden