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Indian wood oats looks a little like a small version of sea oats (Uniola paniculata), to which it is closely related - they used to be listed in the same genus. This is a perennial clump-forming grass with wide leaves and lovely nodding clusters of flat, oatlike seedheads. It gets 2-5 ft (0.6-1.5 m) tall and a single clump can spread two or more feet across on its short, stout rhizomes. The leaves are about 1 in (2.5 cm) wide and 5-8 in (12.7-20.3 cm) long. They are flat and terminate in a sharp point. The flowers are held in flat clusters called spikelets, 1-2 in (2.5-5.1 cm) long and 0.5 in (1.3 cm) wide. The spikelets hang gracefully on thread-like pedicels in loose, open panicles on a stem that nods above the leaves. Leaves and flowerheads turn a rich tan in autumn and reddish-bronze by winter. All in all, a very attractive grass!
Indian wood oats is native to southeastern North America from New Jersey and Pennsylvania west to Kansas and south to central Texas and northern Florida. It grows in rich woods, along streams and rivers, and in flood plains. It often is common in the ground cover of bottomland forests, sometimes forming small colonies. It does not grow near the sea at all.
Culture
Use Indian wood oats as a ground cover in shady areas, in the open woodland garden, or as a specimen grass in a perennial border or under a large tree. They do well in shade, but even better in full sun. The dried flowerheads are highly prized for arrangements, and they last indefinitely.
Features Steve Christman 8/1/00; updated 11/13/03
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