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River Oats

River oats

River Oats
(Chasmanthium latifolium)

Height:

  • 2 to 4 feet

Bloom:

  • July to October

Classification:

  • Native
  • Grass

Sun:

  • Part shade to shade

Soil moisture:

  • Medium to moist

Provides food for:

  • Caterpillars (foliage)
  • Songbirds (seeds, caterpillars and other insects)

Notes:

  • River oats is what’s called a bunch grass which means it forms clumps instead of a solid mat like the turf grass in your yard.
  • The foliage is blue-green in early spring and golden brown in fall and winter.
  • Ripe seed heads are tan to golden brown, hang on into winter, and provide visual interest.
  • Works well in containers if kept well-watered.
  • Seed heads can be used in dried flower arrangements.
  • Self-seeds readily and can become aggressive in preferred conditions.
  • Deer resistant

Native Range:

USDA Range Map for river oats
Map credit: USDA Plants Database