A robust, clump-forming, warm season grass with coarse, arching, gray-green leaf blades. Orange and purple flower spikes grow 10 in. long and arch above the foliage from May to September. Naturalizes aggressively by self-seeding.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Eastern Gama Grass
Tripsacum dactyloides
Plant Type: Grasses / Sedges / Rushes
Native Environment: Prairie
Season of Interest:
Main Color: Green
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun

Soil
Moisture
Moderate, High

Nature Attracting

Wildlife Benefit
Cover

Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
4 to
8
feet
Spread:
4 to
6
feet
Size
Height: 4 to
8
feet
Spread: 4 to
6
feet
Size
Height: 4 to
8
feet
Spread: 4 to
6
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Use in swales and moist areas. Can be used as a large accent plant in the landscape.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grow in full sun or light shade in average to moist soil. Spreads from seed.
Special Features
Special Usage
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.