Chasmanthium latifolium (Northern Sea Oats)

One of the most shade-tolerant ornamental grasses, Chasmanthium latifolium (Northern Sea Oats) is a robust spreading deciduous grass. It is noted for its distinctive, drooping seed heads in late summer, which hang from slightly arching stems and flutter when caressed by the softest of breezes. This grass provides good fall color, with its seed heads turning purplish bronze and its bright green leaves turning a coppery color after frost. Excellent for dried flower arrangements.

• The beautiful arching lines of Chasmanthium latifolium help create magnificent and elegantly mobile combinations in the landscape. Highly versatile, it is perfect for borders where this grass will easily combine with other plants, cottage gardens, shade gardens, rain gardens, along ponds and streams, or in prairie plantings.
• Growing easily in an upright clump about 2-5 ft. tall (60-150 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm), it enjoys full sun or part shade in average, medium to wet, well-drained soils. Tolerates poor soils, but moist, fertile soils are preferred.
• Chasmanthium latifolium is pest-free, disease-free, requires very little care, and provides almost year-round interest. Deer resistant!
• Cut back to the ground in early spring.
• Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or by division in early summer
• Native to the central and eastern United States.