Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS

Nomenclature

Common Name:

Indian woodoats, spikegrass

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Chasmanthium latifolium

Family:

Poaceae (Gramineae)

Plant Specifics

Form:

grass

Size:

2-4 ft

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

green

Fruit Color:

brown

Phenology:

winter dormant

Noted For:

Showy Fruits

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Groundcover or border plant in shady areas.

Considerations:

It reseeds easily and can expand aggressively.

Availability:

Native Nurseries, Seed

Propagation:

Seed.

Light:

Part Sun, Shade

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry

Coming Soon!

Usually moist, occasional inundation ---to--- Not wet but not extremely dry

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand, Loam

Soil pH:

neutral to slightly acidic

Suitable to Grow In:

Ecology

Wildlife:

Caterpillars, Birds, Mammals

Larval host for pepper and salt skipper ( Amblyscirtes hegon ), common roadside skipper ( Amblyscirtes vialis ), and Bell's roadside skipper ( Amblyscirtes belli ).  Possible host for Carolina satyr ( Hermeuptychia sosybius ).

Birds and other wildlife consume seed.

Native Habitats:

Dry-moist sites. Bluffs, floodplains, wet hammocks.

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

Seed stalks are attractive in flower arrangements.

General Comments: