Northern Sea Oats

$15.00

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Size #3

Quantity Single

11 in stock

Chasmanthium latifolium

Choose Northern Sea Oats if you want a native, shade-tolerant ornamental grass with arching bamboo-like foliage and flat, oat-shaped seed heads that dangle and rustle from summer into winter; the tradeoff is that it self-sows freely, so it is not the grass for a low-maintenance, no-seedlings bed.

Buy This If

You want a grass that thrives in shade.
You like the dangling oat-like seed heads.
You want a tough native for a naturalized bed.

Skip This If

You do not want seedlings to manage.
Your site is hot, dry, and never watered.
You need a privacy screen.

PGNE Report Card

Category	Grade	Why
Landscape Impact	A-	The flat, oat-like seed heads catch light and wind beautifully, especially in part shade where few grasses perform.
Growth Rate	B	The clump fills in at a steady pace, and it self-sows readily where the soil is open.
Maintenance	B	Cut it back in late winter; the main task is thinning volunteer seedlings if you want it to stay put.
Deer Resistance	A-	Deer generally pass over ornamental grasses, so it is a dependable choice where browsing is heavy.
Shade Performance	A	This is one of the few ornamental grasses that stays full and graceful in part shade to shade.
Screening Value	C	Its open, arching habit adds texture but is too short and airy for real privacy.

Our Experience

At PGNE, we'd typically recommend Northern Sea Oats for shady, naturalized beds and woodland edges where most grasses sulk. Give it even moisture for the best look, and expect volunteer seedlings, which are easy to pull or share.

Plant Facts

Mature Height	3 ft
Mature Width	2 ft
Hardiness Zones	4a-8b
Spacing	2 ft
Sun	Full sun to shade; best in part shade
Moisture	Average to moist
Growth Habit	Upright, arching, clumping

Customers Usually Ask

Will it really grow in shade?

Yes; it is one of the best ornamental grasses for part shade to shade, though it also takes full sun with steady moisture.

Does it spread?

The clump stays put, but it self-sows freely; pull unwanted seedlings or deadhead the seed heads to limit it.

When do I cut it back?

Cut the old foliage to the ground in late winter before new growth begins.

CLEARANCE

Pro Growers of New England, Inc

SKU:PGNE-42062

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Northern Sea Oats