Origin:  Native of Southeast USA, northeast Mexico
Family:  Poaceae
Light:  Sun-part shade
Height:    2-3'
Spacing:  2-3'
Blooms:  Terminal, clusters, flat, green, mid-Summer, turning to purplish-bronze toward end of Summer
Foliage:  Herbaceous, broad, green ages to coppery-red then to bronze, bamboo-like
Soil:  Well-drained,  moist, loamy, clayey sand, mildly acidic, neutral
Water:  Regular
Uses:  Ornamental, border, Winter interest, dried floral arrangement, groundcover, shade garden, butterfly garden, bird garden, woodland setting
Propagation:  Seeds, rootball divisions

Comments:  Chasmanthium latifolium  or Broadleaf Uniola or Indian
Woodoats or Northern Sea Oats or River Oats or Spangle Grass or Wild Oats or Uniola latifolia is an ornamental perennial grass with a rhizomatous, clumping growth habit.  It is a native of Southern United States and Northeastern Mexico.   In mid-Summer Chasmanthium latifolium produces ornate, bamboo-like, flat, green seedheads that turn coppery red then bronze; they look superb in dried floral arrangements.  The broad bamboo-like leaves are used by butterflies for eggs while birds enjoy feasting on the seedheads and help transport the seeds. Indian Woodoats is easily propagated from seeds or rootball divisions.  It performs best in well-drained, acidic, loamy, clayey sandy soil in a woodland setting.  Northern Sea Oats self sows readily and soon forms a nice clump.  It has interesting broad foliage, hence its common name, Broadleaf Uniola.  Mass plant Spangle Grass for an exquisite border plant or groundcover for the shady landscape.  Their unique 10" long droopy seedheads look delightful as they  sway and dance with the slightest breeze. In its native habitat, River Oats are commonly found growing wildly along river beds.   Uniola latifolia also help prevent soil erosion in shady areas.  It is being cultivated by many gardeners for its ornamental value.

USDA Zones:  5-9