Chasmanthium laxum (slender woodoats)

Slender woodoats, or inland sea oats, is a warm-season grass that is one of the relatively rare native grasses thriving in partial shade. This rhizomatous perennial is a beautiful accent in the garden. The seeds are unique and a wonderful addition to dried flower arrangements. Grows 2–5' tall and can spread 2.5'. It blooms in August and September and provides good Winter interest. It is best to plant this grass in full sun to part shade, in moist but well-drained, medium or wet conditions.

Slender woodoats is native throughout the southeast, where it occurs naturallly in moist environments in swamps, meadows, and wooded areas. Deer will graze it, but the plant tolerates them. Host plant for several native butterlies.  Birds and small animals eat the seeds.

BONAP Native Range Map (bright green indicates county native, dark green indicates state native)