River Oats

Chasmanthium latifolium

River Oats is a striking, clump-forming perennial grass known for its graceful, arching stems and drooping, oat-like seed heads. It flourishes in a range of soils, from moist loam to drier woodland edges and stream banks. This low-maintenance native grass provides excellent erosion control, naturalizes easily, and adds year-round interest with its seed stalks, which turn golden-brown in fall and are popular in dried arrangements. A valuable wildlife plant, it supports butterflies like the Northern Pearly Eye and Pepper and Salt Skipper while offering seeds for birds and small mammals. 

Sun Exposure: Partial

Soil Moisture: Medium Wet to Medium

Height: 3 feet

Bloom Time: July to September

Species Notes: Native to parts of the Midwest although not historically documented in Wisconsin (view range map).