Overview

Chasmanthium latifolium is a plant with a tufted habit in the genus Chasmanthium, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Chasmanthium latifolium grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include prairie planting, cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.

About

Chasmanthium latifolium, known as fish-on-a-fishing-pole, northern wood-oats, inland sea oats, northern sea oats, and river oats is a species of grass native to the central and eastern United States, Manitoba, and northeastern Mexico; it grows as far north as Pennsylvania and Michigan, where it is a threatened species. The species was previously classified as Uniola latifolia.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Chasmanthium latifolium

About the genus

Chasmanthium is a genus of North American plants in the grass family.

Wikipedia contributors, "Chasmanthium", CC BY-SA 4.0Chasmanthium

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Chasmanthium

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Chasmanthium latifolium size, habit and characteristics

Habit
Tufted
Foliage
Deciduous
Suggested uses
Prairie planting, Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Chasmanthium latifolium

Propagation
Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring, Division in early summer
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Chasmanthium latifolium?

Chasmanthium latifolium prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Chasmanthium latifolium need?

Chasmanthium latifolium is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.

Is Chasmanthium latifolium hardy in the UK?

Chasmanthium latifolium has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Chasmanthium latifolium?

Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring, Division in early summer.