Mature seeds of
Northern Sea Oats
Chasmanthium latifolium
In areas where native grasses have been established, there has been significant increase in game animals, such as deer, quail, turkey and rabbits. Non-game animal diversity increases as well. Prairie dog, fox, and coyote are associated with grasslands. Birds include prairie chicken, hawks, owls, meadowlarks, sparrows, especially the Henslow Sparrow, a declining migratory bird. Grasses and associated sedges and rushes growing in marshes and swamps provide food for migratory birds including ducks and geese.
Excerpted from "The Return of Natural Grasses to Tennessee", by Andrea Brewer Shea
Northern Sea Oats add delicate beauty to borders where its seed heads sway gently in the breeze. Its seeds are a nourishing food source for wildlife. Oat Grass is an excellent addition to habitat gardens.
Seed collection is very easy. Wait for the seed clusters to turn brown and strip them from the plant. Allow them to dry on a plate for a few days and either crumble or pick apart the seed heads to separate the seeds. Allow the separated seeds to dry a few more days before packing.
Ornamental Grasses
Factsheet No. 931
Horticulture and Crop Science in Virtual Perspective
Ohio State University
Chasmanthium latifolium (Inland Sea Oats)
Kemper Code A240
Kemper Center for Home Gardening
Missouri Botanical Garden
MoBot.Org
Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance
Lawn and Garden
New Jersey Experiment Station
Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension
Grasses for Different Landscape Needs
Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates
Factsheet No. BU-6411
by M. Hockenberry Meyer, Department of Horticultural Science
University of Minnesota Extension Service