Northern Wood Oats aka Inland Sea Oats, Fish-on-a-Pole, River Oats Chasmanthium latifolium If you visited the beaches of the Gulf Coast in the 80’s and 90’s, you likely remember seeing signage everywhere along the beach about not illegally pulling up the protected “sea oats.” It is a beautiful species of grass that is instrumental in keeping all the dunes from blowing away and helping to build up organic matter in those sandy dunes so it can grow even more plant and animal life. It was sought after by happy tourists who wanted to take clippings home to include in floral arrangements and such, and was also of victim of all of the raking of the beaches to make them look more hospitable for tourists. We are offering its similar looking first cousin “Northern” Sea Oats that inhabits inland soils along creeks, shaded slopes and such. This bunchy grass grows upright and is beautiful in itself, but it also develops a panicle type seed head that hangs down and resembles fish dangling from a fishing pole. Even better, the grass clump turns a sand color and stands upright (2.5-4 feet in height) with its “fish on a pole” look for the rest of the winter. We consider this grass species an absolute favorite for natural looking landscaping, and it’s also tolerant of shady areas! The seed heads are eaten by birds and rodents, and the grass offers plenty of cover for deer and rabbits and others. USDA planting zones 4-9 ph Range 5.0-7.0
