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The Natives are Friendly
Inland Seaoats
The Natives are Friendly
Inland Seaoats
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Many people have that one special shady spot in the garden where it seems like nothing will grow.
Luckily nature has an excellent answer to our problem. Inland Seaoats or Chasmanthium latifolium
is an excellent ornamental grass that is perfectly suited to such a challenging situation. This showy
perennial is one of the first native grasses used for landscape purposes. It is common throughout
the eastern half of Texas. Inland Sea Oats is a valuable wildlife resource, providing food and cover.
The seed head and bamboo-like foliage are quite ornamental, with seed clusters held 6-8" above
the foliage, which grows to be about two feet tall. The grass keeps a small rosette of leaves over the
winter but regrows striking purple foliage in Spring.
Although a bunchgrass, this species spreads readily in disturbed areas and forms large colonies. It
prefers partial to full shade and is tolerant of all soil types. Because of environmental adaptation, it is
imperative to use plants grown from local populations for best results.
Luckily nature has an excellent answer to our problem. Inland Seaoats or Chasmanthium latifolium
is an excellent ornamental grass that is perfectly suited to such a challenging situation. This showy
perennial is one of the first native grasses used for landscape purposes. It is common throughout
the eastern half of Texas. Inland Sea Oats is a valuable wildlife resource, providing food and cover.
The seed head and bamboo-like foliage are quite ornamental, with seed clusters held 6-8" above
the foliage, which grows to be about two feet tall. The grass keeps a small rosette of leaves over the
winter but regrows striking purple foliage in Spring.
Although a bunchgrass, this species spreads readily in disturbed areas and forms large colonies. It
prefers partial to full shade and is tolerant of all soil types. Because of environmental adaptation, it is
imperative to use plants grown from local populations for best results.
Courtesy of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Inland Sea Oats needs no maintenance and
is disease free, as well as being deer-
resistant.
A grass for shady condition and a little extra
moisture. The large lance shaped foliage is
thick and full. In the fall it sends up showy
seed heads that twist in the breeze. A great
accent under a tree.
As soon as the seed turn brown, they can be
harvested and sown wherever else you want
them growing. If you don’t harvest the seed
before they fully mature and start to shatter,
you won’t have to worry about planting them.
is disease free, as well as being deer-
resistant.
A grass for shady condition and a little extra
moisture. The large lance shaped foliage is
thick and full. In the fall it sends up showy
seed heads that twist in the breeze. A great
accent under a tree.
As soon as the seed turn brown, they can be
harvested and sown wherever else you want
them growing. If you don’t harvest the seed
before they fully mature and start to shatter,
you won’t have to worry about planting them.
They will be growing everywhere. The seed heads can also cut off as they mature but before they start
to shatter and used indoors as a beautiful dry flower arrangement. Inland Seaoats can also be easily
divided and transplanted in the fall and winter.
Chasmanthium latifolium is a great choice for stabilization of a stream bank or a shady hill. It is
happiest in a moist partly shady site, but in such a place it will roam rampantly. In a drier location it is
kept in check, but still looks lovely. It also has excellent salt tolerance. All of these wonderful
characteristics makes it an excellent choice for almost any garden.
to shatter and used indoors as a beautiful dry flower arrangement. Inland Seaoats can also be easily
divided and transplanted in the fall and winter.
Chasmanthium latifolium is a great choice for stabilization of a stream bank or a shady hill. It is
happiest in a moist partly shady site, but in such a place it will roam rampantly. In a drier location it is
kept in check, but still looks lovely. It also has excellent salt tolerance. All of these wonderful
characteristics makes it an excellent choice for almost any garden.