Grass – INLAND SEAOATS – WILD OATS
Chasmanthium latifolium chas-MAN-thee-um lah-the-FOLE-ee-um
Perennial grass for shade to part shade
Height: 2 – 4 feet
Spread: Unlimited
Spacing: 2 – 3 feet
HABIT: Looks like dwarf bamboo. Insignificant flowers, followed by very decorative seed heads that turn golden ivory in fall and last into January.
CULTURE: Easy to grow in any soil in shady areas but can tolerate some direct sun. In large areas, sow ½ – 2 lbs. seed per thousand square feet. Will grow in deep sugar sand or black clay. Reseeds readily. Cutting the seed heads off before they mature helps to prevent spreading.
USES: Great plant for erosion control in the shade. Can also adapt to sunny spots.
PROBLEMS: Spreads aggressively by seed and rhizomes, so be careful where you plant it.
NOTES: Stems with dry seed heads can be cut for long lasting dry flower arrangements.