Chasmanthium latifolium (River Oats)
As showy as any ornamental grass, Chasmanthium latifolium adds to both visually to landscapes and benefits to wildlife. Found along shady riverbanks, this native perennial grass tolerates full shade, repels deer, but provides seeds for songbirds reminiscent of oats.
As showy as any ornamental grass, Chasmanthium latifolium adds to both visually to landscapes and benefits to wildlife. Found along shady riverbanks, this native perennial grass tolerates full shade, repels deer, but provides seeds for songbirds reminiscent of oats.
As showy as any ornamental grass, Chasmanthium latifolium adds to both visually to landscapes and benefits to wildlife. Found along shady riverbanks, this native perennial grass tolerates full shade, repels deer, but provides seeds for songbirds reminiscent of oats.
Chasmanthium latifolium is found throughout the southeastern United States in shady wetland areas. It can tolerate a wider range of conditions, including full shade or sunny wet areas, rain gardens, and slopes prone to erosion. This perennial can quickly spread by rhizomes and readily reseed, so consideration should be given before planting. But this can be a benefit in shady bare patches or paths heavily trod by deer.
A number of butterfly species in our region enjoy Chasmanthium latifolium including a several skippers and the Northern Pearly-eye. The floral spikelets are wind-pollinated and emerge green in spring, turning brown in summer, and persisting into winter. This provides a food source for birds and other wildlife, particularly in winter where seeds are visible above ground covered in leaves, snow, and ice.
Host Plant for Butterflies/Moths: Northern Pearly-eye (Enodia anthedon), Bell’s Roadside Skipper (Amblyscirtes belli), Common Roadside Skipper (Amblyscirtes vialis), Pepper and Salt Skipper (Amblyscirtes hegon), and 6+ other species.
Wildlife Value: Songbirds
Deer Resistance: Excellent
Native Region: Appalachian Mountains, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Seed Origin: nursery seed collected in North Carolina
Light Recommendation: Part-sun, Dappled Shade
Soil Moisture Recommendation: Wet, Medium-Wet, Moist
USDA Zones: 4-9
States found in our region: AL, DE, GA, KY, MD, NC, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV
Other states found: AR, AZ, FL, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MI, MS, MO, NM, OH, OK, TX
