Chasmanthium latifolium - Northern Sea Oats, Wild Oats, Spangle Grass

Formerly Uniola latifolia (it is no longer included in the Uniola species)

This is a perfect choice for any garden in sun or shade. By mid-summer the growth of the bamboo-like foliage slows and blooming begins. One of the best ornamental grasses for cut flowers, as its seedpods don't fracture when dried. This is a beautiful woodland grass that should be in every garden, if only for its decorative panicles.

Excellent both as a specimen and mass-planted. For maximum blooming, give it plenty of sunlight and moisture however its foliage will be a darker green in the shade. In climates with a long growing season it may self-seed. Reported to be salt tolerant. We would love to hear from anyone who can confirm this.

Description: cool season; clump forming
Foliage - light green (darker green in shade); 2 cm (3/4") wide; 70-100 cm (28-40") in height
Flowers - highly decorative; blooms June-July; 90-130 cm (36-52") tall

Ideal conditions: full sun or shade; fertile, well-drained soil with ample moisture; if planted in the shade, it is drought tolerant in hot dry locations.

Zone: 4 - 9 (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness)

Suggested uses: borders, hedges, woodland settings, specimen, massing, arrangements

Partner with: Bergenia, daylilies, Deschampsia, Carex

Season of interest: June - October

Recommended spacing between plants: 40-75cm (16-30") why such a difference?

Drought tolerance rating: 2 (water to root depth once every 2 weeks); further info

Pronunciation: Chasmanthium (kas-MAN-thee-um) latifolium (lat-ih-FOL-ee-um)

More ornamental grasses

Compare Chasmanthium latifolium to our other grasses in this handy chart.