Chasmanthium latifolium
This unique grass is native to riverbanks and open woodlands from Massachusetts to Texas, but grows very well here in Maine. Here on the farm, we grow it beneath the shade of our mulberry trees, and it has self-seeded quite nicely among a tangle of wild strawberry. By mid-summer the oat-like flowers form, which turn brilliant shades of pink and gold as the fall approaches. These seeds can stay on the plant all winter unless birds and small mammals come along to eat them. There is some talk of the grain being winnowed and ground to make a flour, but we haven’t personally tried it. Between its ability to self-seed, the wildflife benefits, and its potential as a grain crop, this is one grass that is well worth growing.
Hardiness: Zone 4-9
Soil: Medium wet
Light: Part sun to shade.
Variants:
Seeds: A packet of approximately 25 sees.
Bare - Root Plant: A bundle of ~3 rooted stalks
Chasmanthium latifolium
This unique grass is native to riverbanks and open woodlands from Massachusetts to Texas, but grows very well here in Maine. Here on the farm, we grow it beneath the shade of our mulberry trees, and it has self-seeded quite nicely among a tangle of wild strawberry. By mid-summer the oat-like flowers form, which turn brilliant shades of pink and gold as the fall approaches. These seeds can stay on the plant all winter unless birds and small mammals come along to eat them. There is some talk of the grain being winnowed and ground to make a flour, but we haven’t personally tried it. Between its ability to self-seed, the wildflife benefits, and its potential as a grain crop, this is one grass that is well worth growing.
Hardiness: Zone 4-9
Soil: Medium wet
Light: Part sun to shade.
Variants:
Seeds: A packet of approximately 25 sees.
Bare - Root Plant: A bundle of ~3 rooted stalks
