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Northern sea oats

How to identify Northern sea oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)

Northern sea oats, also known as Indian woodoats, Wood oats, Broadleaf uniola, Upland oats

Northern sea oats is a deciduous, clumping grass with a tendency to spread via short rhizomes. It showcases wide, flat, blue-green leaves that can reach up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall, transitioning to a yellow-green tone in summer. The foliage gives way to 3 feet (about 90 cm) tall arching flowering stems with nodding spikelets bearing a resemblance to oat clusters. In fall, the spikelets mature to a pale bronze, then fade to a soft gray-brown in winter. This grass thrives under full to partial sunlight and demands occasional watering.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Grass

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Northern sea oats

1

2-foot (60 cm) tall blue-green leaves transition to yellow-green in summer.

2

3-foot (90 cm) arching flowering stems with oat-like spikelets.

3

Fruits transition from green to purplish-bronze, resembling ornamental spikelets.

4

Smooth, green stems reach 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) with minor branching.

5

Flat, 5-9 inch (12.7-22.9 cm) leaves with parallel veins turn yellow-coppery in fall.

Northern sea oatsNorthern sea oatsNorthern sea oatsNorthern sea oatsNorthern sea oats

Detailed Traits of Northern sea oats

Leaf Features

The leaves of northern sea oats are 5-9 inches (12.7-22.9 cm) long and about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. They are flat, green, and exhibit an upright to slightly arching posture. In the fall, these leaf blades transform into a yellow-coppery color before turning brown in winter. The leaves feature a smooth texture, simple structure, and parallel veins running the length, contributing to their distinctive appearance.

Leaf Margin

Entire

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Flower Features

Northern sea oats has an open panicle inflorescence with branches that nod or droop. The spikelets are green when young, transitioning to brown as they mature. Each spikelet measures up to 1-1/2 inches (3.8 cm) long and over 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) wide, containing 6 to 17 florets. The blooming period extends from June to October. The flowers lack a notable scent and rely on wind pollination.

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Stem Features

The stem of northern sea oats is smooth and green, with a firm and slightly tapered structure. Typically reaching heights of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm), it is cylindrical and stout, measuring about 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter. The stem exhibits minor branching near the upper sections, supporting its characteristic flat, foliar display. This smooth texture and vibrant green hue are key identifying features, contributing to its graceful, ornamental appearance.

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Fruit Features

The fruits of northern sea oats are showcased in drooping, flat, and broad structures that resemble spikelets, providing a distinctive and ornamental appeal. Initially, the fruits are green to tan in color, transitioning to a striking purplish-bronze hue from July to November, aligning with autumn's palette. These mature spikelets consist of tightly-packed, overlapping scales arranged around a central axis, each containing a single seed that is typically dispersed by wind or wildlife interaction. Their unique textural and color-changing characteristics make them an easily recognized feature among grass fruits.

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Key Facts About Northern sea oats

Attributes of Northern sea oats
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Grass
Plant Height
1 m
Spread
30 cm to 45 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Yellow
Flower Size
2.5 cm to 5 cm
Flower Color
Green
Brown
Pink
Purple
Black
Fruit Color
Brown
Purple
Cream
Silver
Copper
Lavender
Tan
Gray
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Scientific Classification of Northern sea oats

Family
Grass
Icon allow
Species
Northern sea oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)
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Distribution Map of Northern sea oats

Northern sea oats is native to eastern North America and has naturalized in some regions of Central America. It has also been introduced and cultivated within various temperate areas across North America and Europe. Although an ornamental grass, it thrives in a range of environments which has facilitated its spread beyond its native habitat.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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