Northern Sea Oats

Northern sea oats is a native, clump-forming ornamental grass with arching stems and flat, dangling seed heads that move in the breeze. Its seed heads change from green to tan and purplish tones, while the bamboo-like foliage often turns gold in fall. ## Form and garden use The [NC State Extension Plant Toolbox](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/chasmanthium-latifolium/) lists mature height at 2–5 feet and spread at 1–2½ feet. It is useful in naturalized plantings, woodland edges, streamside gardens, and other moist sites where its fall color and seed heads can be seen. Its seeds provide food for birds and small mammals, and its foliage hosts butterfly larvae. ## Siting and spread Grow in partial shade or dappled light with moist soil that may be occasionally wet. NC State lists USDA zones 5a–9b and describes the grass as spreading by both rhizomes and seed; leave room for colonies to expand or remove unwanted seedlings. ## Maintenance Cut old stems back in late winter before fresh growth begins, leaving the seed heads through winter if you want their movement and wildlife value. Divide clumps when they outgrow their space, or thin seedlings to keep a defined planting edge.