Uniola paniculata (Sea Oats)

Uniola paniculata (Sea Oats) is a deep-rooted spreading perennial grass with stout culms and showy tan inflorescences rising up to 6 ft. tall (180 cm). On display from summer to fall, their conspicuous spikelets of oat-like fruits persist on the plant, giving it a beautiful texture as the wind blows. Useful in dried arrangements, the seed heads are happily eaten by birds and small mammals. Seat Oats arise from elongated and extensively creeping rhizomes, readily rooting at the nodes when buried by sand. The plant develops a dense concentration of surface roots as well as a penetrating system of deep roots, making it an excellent dune stabilizer. Very tolerant of salt and dry, sandy soil, Sea oats once blanketed the coastal landscape along the southeastern United States from North Carolina to south Florida. Now they are endangered, and it is illegal to collect plants from the wild without special permits.

• Grows up to 4-6 ft. tall (120-180 cm). Will spread from underground rhizomes and form large patches.
• Performs best in full sun in dry, sandy, mostly neutral, well-drained soils. Very tolerant of drought, salty wind, and salt spray. It does not require any supplemental water once established and is tolerant of occasional/brief inundation such as can occur in storm surges.
• Perfect for beaches, sand dunes, and coastal gardens.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Propagated by seed, division, root cuttings.
• Native to the southeastern United States, eastern Mexico, and some Caribbean islands.