Mortellaro's Nursery
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Chasmanthium latifolium - Inland Sea Oats from Mortellaros
Inland Sea Oats
Chasmanthium latifolium
Inland Sea Oats is a clumping, warm-season grass native to Texas and much of the southeastern U.S. It is well known for its graceful, arching foliage and distinctive seed heads, which resemble flattened oats. Inland Sea Oats is a popular choice for erosion control, shade gardens, and naturalized landscapes, thriving in areas where many other grasses struggle.
This adaptable grass thrives in full sun to full shade and tolerates a wide range of soils, including acidic, alkaline, and clay-rich conditions. It is highly tolerant of poor drainage and seasonal flooding, making it ideal for planting near creeks, rain gardens, and low-lying areas. Once established, it is drought tolerant, though it prefers occasional watering during extended dry periods. Deer tend to avoid it, making it a low-maintenance option for landscapes prone to browsing.
Inland Sea Oats grows to a mature height of 2-4 feet with a spread of 2-3 feet, forming dense clumps. When planted in mass, spacing of 18-24 inches apart encourages full coverage and helps control erosion. This grass is deciduous in colder climates, turning a golden-brown hue in fall before dying back in winter. The attractive seed heads provide seasonal interest and food for birds.
In USDA Zones 5-9, Inland Sea Oats is cold-hardy and returns reliably each spring. In colder areas of Texas, cutting back the foliage in late winter encourages fresh new growth in spring. The seeds can spread easily, so occasional thinning may be needed to prevent excessive self-seeding in garden settings.
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Shade-tolerant native grass |
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Erosion Control |
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Tolerates wet soils |
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Height:2-4 ft |
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Spread:2-3 ft |
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Spacing:18-24 in |
USDA Hardiness Zone 5a
Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Habit
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Soil pH Preference
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Water Needs
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Texas Native
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Tolerates Poor Drainage
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