Broadleaf Chasmanthium
Chasmanthium latifolium
Last reviewed: August 2026
Chasmanthium latifolium is a native ornamental grass found across the eastern and central United States. It produces distinctive flat, oat-like seed heads from July through September.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Broadleaf Chasmanthium as toxic to livestock.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
24"–48" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, DE and 25 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Broadleaf chasmanthium is an attractive ornamental grass with distinctive flat, drooping seed heads that provide visual interest from summer through winter. This clump-forming grass grows in graceful arching mounds and turns golden bronze in fall. The seeds create attractive movement and sound in breezes.
Growing Broadleaf Chasmanthium
Grow Broadleaf Chasmanthium in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Broadleaf Chasmanthium is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Can self-seed aggressively if not managed
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and beetles during summer blooming. Seeds provide food for birds through fall and winter months.
Common questions
- Where is Broadleaf Chasmanthium native?
- Chasmanthium latifolium is native to much of the eastern and central United States, from Massachusetts south to Florida and west to Arizona, including states like Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
- When does Chasmanthium latifolium bloom?
- Broadleaf Chasmanthium blooms from July through September, producing its characteristic flattened, drooping seed heads that persist into winter.
- What pollinators visit Chasmanthium latifolium?
- Bees and beetles are known to visit Broadleaf Chasmanthium, though as a wind-pollinated grass, it relies primarily on wind rather than insects for pollination.
- What growing conditions does Broadleaf Chasmanthium prefer?
- Chasmanthium latifolium is adaptable to various light conditions from full sun to partial shade and tolerates a wide range of moisture levels from dry to wet soils, making it versatile for different garden situations.
- Is Broadleaf Chasmanthium toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Broadleaf Chasmanthium as toxic to livestock.
- Is Broadleaf Chasmanthium HOA-friendly?
- Broadleaf Chasmanthium is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Broadleaf Chasmanthium? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz