Chasmanthium latifolium is a striking native ornamental grass distinguished by its broad bamboo like leaves and flat drooping seed heads that resemble fish scales. These nodding seed heads catch sunlight and breeze alike adding year round texture, sound, and movement to shaded or partially sunny gardens. It self sows modestly and remains attractive even in dormancy enabling structure through winter.
Height & Spread: 24 - 36 in x 18 - 30 in
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained or seasonally wet soils
Watering Needs: Moderate; tolerates short dry spells once established
Deer Resistance: Seldom browsed by deer
Native Status
This grass is native to the central and eastern United States, especially along woodland edges, floodplains, and shaded stream banks.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- Seeds provide food for sparrows, towhees, and goldfinches; dense foliage offers nesting cover for small songbirds.
Beneficial Insects
- Clumps support habitat for predatory ground beetles and overwintering sites for solitary bees and beneficial fly larvae.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 18 - 30 in apart to allow arching foliage and seed heads to develop naturally without overlap.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for woodland gardens, riparian buffers, or shade borders where it softens edges and provides visual movement and seasonal interest.
Companion Plants
- Polygonatum biflorum (Solomons Seal) - Adds arching form and early season foliage contrast to the grassy texture of Chasmanthium.
- Carex amphibola (Woodland Sedge) - A fine textured ground layer that pairs well with broader grass foliage.
- Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower) - Provides spring bloom and dense foliage under the arching blades of Chasmanthium.
- Asarum canadense (Wild Ginger) - Offers bold, low foliage and pairs well with the texture and scale of river oats.
- Packera aurea (Golden Groundsel) - Brings bright yellow flowers in spring beneath the grass’s emerging blades.