Common Names: Sea Oats/ Wood Oats
Scientific Name: Chasmanthium latifolium
 
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial
Size: Typically grows to a height of 2-4 ft.
Foliage: The leaves are broad and lance-shaped, resembling bamboo leaves, and turn bronze in the fall.
Bloom Color: Green, with distinctive flat, oat-like seed heads.
Bloom Time: Summer to Early Fall
 
Growing Conditions
Water Use: Moderate
Light Requirement: Part Shade to Full Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist to Wet
 
Ecological Benefits
Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) is a native perennial grass that provides several ecological benefits in Maryland. Its unique, flat seed heads add visual interest to shaded gardens and natural areas. This grass species attracts wildlife, including birds that feed on its seeds, contributing to local biodiversity. Its adaptability to part shade and full shade conditions makes it a valuable component of woodland gardens and riparian zones. By stabilizing soil and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of these environments, Northern Sea Oats plays a crucial role in supporting the ecological balance of Maryland's landscapes.