river oats

Plant Type

Grass/Grass-like

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

3-4 ft. tall
2-3 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Direct Afternoon Sun

Propagation

By seed

Plant Propagation Notes

Self seeds easily

Plants/Diseases

No serious insect or disease problems.

Wildlife Benefits

Host plant for butterfly larvae, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Leaves simple, lanceolate arranged alternately on stem. Leaf margins entire, 5-9 inches long and 1 inch wide. Leaves grow upright to slightly arching and turn a yellow-copper in the fall, fading to brown in the winter.

Flowers

Flowers are arranged in an open panicle with branches nodding or drooping. It is initially green, turning brown at maturity. Each spikelets is up to 1-1/2 inches long and over 1/2 inch wide, with anywhere from 6 to 17 florets. Flowers bloom from June to October and are wind pollinated.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Part Sun/Shade, Full Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Chasmanthium latifolium grows along stream and river banks and in rich deciduous woods.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common in the SC Coastal Plain and Piedmont, and Uncommon in the Mountains