Prefers sun to part shade, medium to wet soils, grows up to 3' tall, the beautiful, drooping seed heads develop late summer. Birds and small mammals enjoy eating the seeds. Can be a bit of a spreader, ideal for naturalizing, not ideal for small garden spaces. For that reason River oats (aka Wild oats) are ideal for growing in pots or container gardening.

Excellent for stabilizing river banks and other areas where erosion is a problem. It is a host plant to the Pepper and Salt Skipper (Amblyscirtes hegon). “Seeds eaten by small mammals and granivorous birds. Leaves provide graze for mammals. Stems and leaves used as nesting material by birds.” - Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

I love wild oats because of its beautiful drooping seed heads and the way they sway in a gentle breeze. Seed heads change in color from a bright green to a brownish-purple color when ripe and are excellent for dried flower arrangements and for adding texture and color to seasonal evergreen wreaths.