Chasmanthium latifolium, is a clump-forming, upright grass, belonging to Poaceae (Grass) family. It is native to the central and eastern United States and northeastern Mexico. The old name of the plant was Uniola latifolia.Genus’s name comes from the Greek word ‘chasme’ meaning gaping and ‘anthemum’ meaning flower for the form of the flower. Specific epithet ‘latifolium’ means broad-leaved. Common name of ‘oats’ is in reference to the similarity of the seed heads to those of oats.

Northern Sea Oats is a perennial ornamental grass, reaches a height between 30-120 cm and width of 30-60 cm. Light green lanceolate leaves of the grass are reminiscent of bamboo, turn yellow gold colour after frost and eventually brown by winter. The distinctive flat nodding seed heads that resemble oats, emerge green in spring, turn purplish bronze in summer and then purplish in autumn. They sway gracefully in the slightest breeze. Plants form an upright clump of deep green leaves that arch gracefully from the stem in layers, looking a little like a dwarf bamboo.

Chasmanthium latifolium is not particular about soil and light conditions; tolerates medium to wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist, fertile soils. Many popular ornamental grasses are full sun lovers and become floppy in shady areas, while Northern Sea Oats thrives in part shade. Self-seeds and may spread aggressively. Propagation can be done easily by seed or root division. Plant is supposed to be tolerant up to -25° C.

Use in Landscape: Chasmanthium latifolium is an attractive, dense-covering grass for shade, with decorative seed heads.  Provides excellent contrast and texture almost year-round to the border, shaded garden, country garden, naturalized area along streams or on the periphery of the water garden. Leaving foliage in place over winter adds interest to the landscape. Very popular as a low-maintenance shade grass, it has been used to prevent soil erosion along streams. Northern Sea Oats is adapted well to be a container plant.

Chasmanthium latifolium’s attractive inflorescences can be used in fresh or dried form in flower arrangements.