Slender Woodoats
Chasmanthium laxum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Chasmanthium laxum (Slender Woodoats) is a native grass found across the southeastern and south-central United States. This drought-tolerant ornamental blooms from June through August and attracts butterflies.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Slender Woodoats as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
24"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, DE, FL and 14 more states
Pollinators
butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Slender Woodoats is a graceful native grass that forms neat clumps with delicate, drooping seed heads that sway in the breeze. This drought-tolerant perennial produces attractive oat-like flowers in summer and provides excellent texture in landscaping. It goes dormant in winter but returns reliably each spring.
Growing Slender Woodoats
Grow Slender Woodoats in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Slender Woodoats is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, mid zone.
- Cut back in late winter
Wildlife value
The seed heads attract butterflies and provide food for songbirds. Small mammals also benefit from the seeds and shelter the grass provides.
Common questions
- Where does Chasmanthium laxum naturally grow?
- Slender Woodoats is native to 19 states across the southeastern and south-central United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
- When does Slender Woodoats bloom?
- Chasmanthium laxum blooms from June through August, producing delicate seed heads during the summer months.
- What pollinators visit Slender Woodoats?
- Butterflies are attracted to Chasmanthium laxum, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens and native plant landscapes.
- What growing conditions does Chasmanthium laxum prefer?
- Slender Woodoats thrives in full sun to partial sun conditions and tolerates low to moderate water conditions, making it suitable for drought-tolerant landscaping.
- Is Slender Woodoats toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Slender Woodoats as toxic to livestock.
- Is Slender Woodoats HOA-friendly?
- Slender Woodoats is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Slender Woodoats fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.