River Oats

Description

Chasmanthium latifolium, commonly known as River Oats, Northern or Inland Sea Oats, Inland Wood Oats, and Uniolia latifolia is a perennial cool season grass, but it makes its seed in the fall. Its fibrous root system serves as a soil stabilizer in areas prone to erosion. The rhizomes (underground stems) often form colonies. River Oats propagates by seed, and it is wind pollinated. This grass prefers moist sites in sun or shade; however, it will grow on drier sites that are shady and will also grow under walnut trees.

River Oats seeds are eaten by a variety of birds such as quail and turkey and also by some rodents. Deer also relish the seeds and eat them directly off of the plant.  Deer and the caterpillars of several butterfly species eat the foliage.

This grass is highly palatable to livestock, and overgrazing can eliminate it from an area. It does well in moist soil areas in sun or shade, or in drier shady places as well. During winter, the brown foliage continues to be palatable (more so than many other species that are brown and dormant at the same time).

This grass is a beautiful ornamental species that grows well in shady locations. Its cool green summer color gives way to purplish bronze in fall. The flattened seedheads dance in the breezes of late summer and fall. It is a beautiful addition in a landscape and a great choice for fresh and dried flower arrangements.

This species is naturally found in bottomland forests and creek and river bottoms that are shady or full sun. River Oats grows beneath a fairly heavy canopy of trees, but it will also grow in full sun when the soils are moist. River Oats is found on drier sites when there is more shade.

This plant is commonly used in the following mixes:

Buck’s Hangout, Companion Grass Mix – Shade, Companion Grass Mix – Wet, and Hide & Sneak.

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