Chasmanthium latifolium, commonly known as River Oats, is a graceful, clump-forming native ornamental grass valued for its distinctive, oat-like seed heads and tolerance of shade. This warm-season perennial grass grows 2 to 4 feet tall and spreads slowly by rhizomes, making it ideal for naturalistic plantings, woodland gardens, and erosion control along slopes or streambanks. Its flat, pendulous seed heads emerge green in summer and mature to a bronzy tan, providing visual interest through fall and winter while also serving as a food source for birds.

Why choose River Oats:

• Unique seed heads: Flattened, nodding seed heads add texture and movement

• Shade-tolerant grass: One of the few ornamental grasses that thrives in part shade

• Native performer: Supports local ecosystems and offers wildlife value year-round

Cultivating tips:

• Sun exposure: Grows in full sun to part shade; more upright in sun, looser in shade

• Soil needs: Prefers moist, well-drained soil but tolerates a variety of conditions

• Maintenance: Cut back in late winter or early spring; self-seeds readily in ideal conditions

Designs for your garden:

• Woodland gardens: Provides structure and motion in shaded or semi-shaded areas

• Rain gardens and streambanks: Great for stabilizing soil and preventing erosion

• Native meadows: Adds texture and fall interest to mixed native plantings

Ecological benefits:

• Native species: Provides shelter and nesting material for insects and birds

• Wildlife-friendly: Seeds are eaten by birds; dense clumps offer ground cover for small animals

• Soil stabilizer: Rhizomatous roots help control erosion on slopes and along waterways