Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
Plant Information
| Scientific Name: | Chasmanthium latifolium |
| Family Name: | Poaceae |
| Common Name(s): | River Oats, Northern Sea Oats, Inland Sea Oats. |
| Size: | 2 to 4 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide |
| Plant Type: | Perennial grass |
| Origin/Geographic Distribution: | Native to the United States, found in a variety of habitats including woods, meadows, and along streams. |
| Native to: | Eastern North America |
| Native range in the USA: | Widespread across Eastern and Central United States. |
| Conservation Status: | Not listed as threatened or endangered. |
Cultivation
| Planting: | Spring or fall |
| Sun Exposure: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Type: | Adaptable to various types, prefers moist, well-drained soil. |
| Soil pH: | 6.0-8.0 Acidic, slightly acidic |
| Water Requirements: | Medium to high, prefers consistent moisture. |
| Fertilizer Requirements: | Low; apply a balanced fertilizer annually in spring. |
| Pruning Requirements: | Cut back in late winter to early spring before new growth begins. |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate to fast |
| Companion Planting: | Complements native wildflowers and ferns for naturalistic garden designs. |
Tolerance and Hardiness
| Drought Tolerance: | Moderate |
| Frost Tolerance: | High; can handle temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C) |
| Heat Tolerance: | Moderate to high; can handle up to 95°F (35°C) |
| Wind Tolerance: | Moderate |
| Salt Tolerance: | Low |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: | 4-9 |
Flower and Fruit Information
| Fruit Type: | Edible seed heads |
| Harvest Time: | Seed heads mature in late summer and persist through winter. |
| Fruit Description: | Attractive, flat, oat-like seed heads that hang from arching stems. |
| Edible Plant: | Yes, seeds are edible when cooked or roasted. They should be cleaned before consumption to remove dirt or debris. To do this, place the seeds in a bowl of water and stir gently until any dirt has been removed from the surface of the seed. After cleaning them thoroughly, you can then cook them up in your favorite recipes like oatmeal. The seeds have a nutty flavor and can be used as an ingredient in salads or soups or even added to breads and muffins as an extra crunchy topping. They can also be ground into flour which can then be used to make pancakes and other baked goods. For those looking for something different they can also be roasted like pumpkin seeds for a satisfying snack. |
| Edible Parts: | Only the seed heads. |
| Medicinal: | No known medicinal uses |
| Flower Color: | Greenish to straw-colored |
| Flower Shape: | Small, inconspicuous |
| Fragrance: | None |
| Flower Bloom Time: | Mid-Summer to Fall |
| Bloom Duration: | Lasts approximately 4-6 weeks |
| Pollination: Self or Other? |
Wind-pollinated |
Wildlife
| Attracts: | Attracts birds and provides excellent cover and nesting material. Also attracts Bees & Butterflies. |
| Pollinators: | Not applicable; wind-pollinated. |
| Problematic Pest: | Aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, thrips, leaf miners, sawflies, caterpillars, slugs/snails and cutworms. |
Health and Safety
| Toxic: | No, the plant is not toxic; it is safe around children and pets. |
| Poisonous Parts of Plant: | None |
| Toxic to Humans: | Not toxic |
| Toxic to Animals: | Non-toxic; safe for wildlife and domestic animals. |
| Plant Diseases to be aware of: | Generally disease-resistant but watch for Leaf Spotting, & Powdery Mildew. |
River Oats (Chasmanthium Latifolium)
Chasmanthium latifolium is an attractive and easy-to-grow perennial grass that adds beauty and texture to any landscape design. Its color changing foliage provides interest all year round while its low maintenance needs make it ideal for busy gardeners who don't have time for intensive care routines yet still want a beautiful lawn or flowerbeds filled with color and texture. Whether you are looking for something low maintenance yet eye-catching or just need something different from your standard grasses, this incredible plant could be exactly what you're looking for!
Companion Planting
Companion planting with Chasmanthium latifolium (Northern Sea Oats, Inland Sea Oats, River Oats) can be an excellent strategy for enhancing the beauty and biodiversity of your garden. This plant pairs well with a variety of other species, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. Here’s a guide to some effective companion plants for Chasmanthium latifolium, particularly tailored for your garden:
Ideal Companion Plants for Chasmanthium latifolium
Native Wildflowers
Examples: Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Coneflower (Echinacea spp.)
Benefits: These wildflowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects that can help with the pollination of nearby plants and pest control.
Use: Planting these together can create a vibrant and dynamic display of textures and colors.
Ferns
Examples: Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina), Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)
Benefits: Ferns add a textural contrast with their lush, green foliage, providing a beautiful backdrop for the striking seed heads of Chasmanthium latifolium.
Use: Ideal for shady or semi-shady areas where both ferns and sea oats can thrive.
Shade-Tolerant Shrubs
Examples: Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.), Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)
Benefits: These shrubs provide structural backbone to the garden and can complement the vertical accent of Northern Sea Oats with their bushy growth and colorful blooms.
Use: Planting these shrubs behind or alongside Chasmanthium latifolium creates a layered effect in garden borders.
Groundcovers
Examples: Hostas, Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Benefits: Groundcovers can fill the lower space effectively, covering the ground and reducing weed growth, which minimizes maintenance efforts.
Use: Useful for creating a full, lush underplanting around the base of Chasmanthium latifolium, enhancing soil moisture retention.
Sedges and other ornamental grasses
Examples: Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica), Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca)
Benefits: These can provide complementary textures and forms, creating a cohesive grassy theme in the landscape.
Use: Perfect for naturalistic or prairie-style gardens, where different grass species can support a diverse ecosystem.
Implementation Tips
Spacing: Ensure that each plant has enough space to grow to its full size. Chasmanthium latifolium can spread moderately, so give it room to flourish without overshadowing its companions.
Watering Needs: Match companion plants with similar water requirements to ensure all plants thrive without over or under-watering.
Sunlight: Since Chasmanthium latifolium tolerates a range from full sun to partial shade, choose companion plants that thrive under similar light conditions to promote uniform growth and health.
By integrating these companion plants into your garden design, you not only enhance the visual appeal but also support a healthier, more sustainable garden ecosystem.