sea oats

American  

noun

1. a tall grass, Uniola paniculata, of coastal areas of southeastern North America, having as its inflorescence a densely crowded panicle, used to control sand erosion.

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Etymology

Origin of sea oats

1890–95;

Example Sentences

Planted around the base of the vine maple, the bold foliage of a hosta or three creates a visual still point and offers contrast to the fine texture of Northern sea oats.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 1, 2023

Around 100 horses roam in the Corolla herd and have adapted to eating sea oats, persimmons, acorns and other native grasses on the island, the News & Observer reported.

From Fox News • Aug. 2, 2021

They were in the limber sea oats and in snake tracks swooshing up a dune.

From New York Times • Jun. 27, 2017

As visitors picked the sea oats for souvenirs, nothing was left to stop sand from blowing around.

From Washington Times • Jun. 26, 2016

Tufts of sea oats waved gently in the breeze, and the blue sky was smeared with white clouds to match our outfits.

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson