![A Plant That Hypnotizes](https://txmg.org/hendersonmg/files/2023/07/2023-07-10-Northern-Sea-Oats-300x201.jpeg)
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by Lydia Holley July 10, 2023
Like many ornamental grasses, northern sea oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) is grown for its beautiful autumn color. It turns a lovely shade of bronze when the weather cools. But unlike some grasses, it is also enchanting in summer, with its seed heads drooping on slender panicles that sway and flutter in the breeze. It brings movement to the garden, drawing the eye and keeping one’s attention on its flickering dangles. It also makes a striking addition to both fresh and dried flower arrangements.
Northern sea oats is usually placed in spacious areas where it can spread, since it multiplies by both seed and through rhizomes. If you only have a small space, it can also be grown in pots. Clumps are very easy to transplant and, unlike some ornamental grasses, are easy to remove.
It is very attractive planted in meadows, cottage gardens, rain gardens, or as a striking accent. You may want to make it the star of your garden. For a few years, a municipal building in Tyler grew a mass of northern sea oats in a large container spanning the building’s entire front. It played off the modern structure, gave interest in every season, and would have been easy to maintain. Unfortunately, after a few years, the plantings were replaced by more traditional choices.
Northern sea oats is native to several states in the eastern portion of the United States, westward to central Texas and into Mexico. Even though northern sea oats is wind pollinated, butterflies are still attracted to it, and it is the larval host to at least three species of butterflies.
It is considered highly deer resistant. Grow it in part to full shade. It is not picky about watering, and will grow in moist or dry soils.
It has several common names, including Wood Oats, Inland Sea Oats, or River Oats. When you are referencing this grass by its common name, be certain to include ‘northern’ or ‘inland’ to sea oats. Otherwise, it might be confused with Uniola paniculatam, which is generally referred to only as sea oats, and why the Latin name is important when referencing plants.
If you are looking for a plant that mesmerizes with every puff of wind, consider northern sea oats. Whether you let it take over a large area or just grow a small amount in a container, with this hypnotizing plant, you are only limited by your imagination.
For more information, call 903-675-6130, email [email protected].
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