Broadleaf chasmanthium (Chasmanthium latifolium, S. W. Naturalist 11: 416 (1966))

Family: Poaceae

Author: (Michx.) H.O.Yates

Bibliography: S. W. Naturalist 11: 416 (1966)

Year: 1966

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Chasmanthium

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. Canada, C. & E. U.S.A. to NE. Mexico

Description

Broadleaf chasmanthium, scientifically known as Chasmanthium latifolium, is a notable member of the Poaceae family. Authors have deepened our understanding of this species through extensive studies, including noteworthy contributions documented in the Southwest Naturalist journal in 1966 by (Michx.) H.O.Yates.

Native to regions spanning from Central Canada down through Central and Eastern United States, and extending into Northeast Mexico, Broadleaf chasmanthium displays a vast adaptability to diverse climates and terrains. This perennial grass is recognized for its distinctively broad, bamboo-like leaves which offer both ornamental appeal and practical applications in landscaping.

One of the plant’s most defining features is its unique seed heads, which dangle gracefully from long, arching stems. These seed heads, resembling flattened oat-like grains, contribute to its alternate common name “Northern sea oats.” Their attractive form and movement with the wind make them a favorite for adding dynamic texture in garden designs.

Broadleaf chasmanthium thrives in partial to full shade and is commonly found in wooded areas, riverbanks, and along shaded paths. It prefers moist, well-drained soils but is highly tolerant of various soil conditions, showcasing its versatility. The plant reaches heights of up to three feet and can spread similarly, thus serving as an excellent groundcover for shaded gardens and naturalized areas.

Besides its aesthetic value, Broadleaf chasmanthium provides ecological benefits, such as habitat and food sources for wildlife. Its dense foliage offers shelter to small animals and the seeds are a favored food for birds, thereby supporting local biodiversity.

In summary, Chasmanthium latifolium is a resilient and visually striking grass that enhances both cultivated and wild spaces, making it a valuable plant for gardeners, landscapers, and ecologists alike.

Common Names

Eng: broadleaf chasmanthium, inland wood oats, broad-leaved chasmanthium, indian wood oats, northern sea oats
En: Broadleaf chasmanthium, Broad-leaved chasmanthium, Indian wood oats, Northern sea oats
: Indian woodoats

Synonyms

• Uniola latifolia (Michx.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Austria (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Aug 8, 2020 by g s (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2022 by Jikki Masu (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2022 by jean claude proux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2021 by Stéphanie Deshuissard (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2019 by Nate ham (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2022 by blaudistel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2022 by Zamora Enrique (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 31, 2022 by pesenti.maeva (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2021 by Noah Weber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2021 by Jean Venot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2022 by Blue Bottle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2022 by Jonathan Devert (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 19, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 2020 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2021 by Ulysse Remars (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2021 by Ulysse Remars (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 19, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2703077)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:55649-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Chasmanthium latifolium (Michx.) H.O.Yates)

Specifications

Growth form: Rhizomatous

Growth habit: Graminoid

Growth rate: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 5.0