Sea Oats

Uniola paniculata L.

u-NIE-oh-la  panic-you-LAY-ta

Poaceae

Explanation of name: Uniola is an ancient Latin name for a presumably similar plant (HIT). Paniculata describes the paniculate inflorescence.

Natural range: Virginia to Mexico and the West Indies (HIT). Native to Florida where it is a protected species. Coastal dunes

Recognition: A tough rhizomatous grass standing about 3-5(6)’ tall, having a distinctive nodding inflorescences on long wands and made up of large, very flat light tan bangle-like spikelets about ½” wide and a little over an inch long.

Landscape uses: Seaside landscaping and dune stabilization in clumps. See this species growing naturally and/or planted along beaches in South Florida.