Chasmanthium latifolium

River-Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)Grass Family Don’t let the name deceive you, this grass can tolerate average soil moisture as well as regular flooding. Shade-tolerant and showy, River-Oats is a beautiful grass best suited for naturalizing and erosion control, but not for the small garden. Watch as it emerges in spring and you will see a flush of colors from indigo, to blue, to green, and even some deep orange. Bright green seed heads will develop on drooping stems that turn into a golden yellow in the fall–leave seed heads up for interest all winter for you and the birds. Blooms: Green, 4-6 weeks, July-SepLeaves: Soft green, stiff leaves turn shades of orange, purple, and brown in the fallHeight: 2-5’ Space: 1-2’Soil: Average-Moist-Dry-WetExposure: Full sun-Part sun-Part shade-ShadeFauna: Larval host to several butterflies and skippers, ground cover and food for birds and small animalsSeeds: Flat, oat-like seed heads on drooping stalksDeer Resistance: HighZone: 5-9Native Status: N