

Finding a shade-tolerant grass is hard. Finding one that looks good year-round is nearly impossible. Enter Inland Sea Oats, Chasmanthium latifolium.
Cousin of Uniola paniculata or “sea oats,” C. latifolium steers clear of the sea. Instead, it can be found in woodland gardens near streams. It appears bright green in spring, evolving to a reddish copper in fall and fading to soft tan by winter. Its dangling seed heads look beautiful dusted in snow or in dried arrangements. Few cultivars are on the market, but try ‘River Mist,’ for a variegated option to brighten up a dark corner.