Tripsacum dactyloides

Warm-season perennial bunchgrass

Active growth during late spring and summer but enters dormancy in fall and remains dormant through winter

At least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily

55–60°F (13–16°C)

Moist, fertile soils with good water-holding capacity. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy loam, clay loam, and clay soils

4–10 (USDA)

Can be established from seed using moist stratification for 1 ½ to 2 months. The tough outer seed coat delays germination, and scarification is recommended.
You can use growth stimulation hormones such as gibberellic acid to help to increase the rate of germination.

5.5–7.5

Requires consistent moisture during establishment, once established, it is drought-tolerant but performs best with adequate moisture

Generally does not require fertilization; however, if soil nutrients are poor, apply low to moderate nitrogen (1–2 lbs of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft annually).

Properly fertilized, Eastern Gamagrass is suited for the reclamation of acid and compact soils and the production of high biomass of high-quality forage.

Extremely variable perennial clump grass, with short, fibrous, knotty rhizomes and deep, hollow roots. Culms form bunches

Eastern gamagrass can be propagated through division and transplanting. Native grass seed should be sown, or plants transplanted in the fall.

Typically grows 6 to 9 feet tall

Spreads slowly via short rhizomes

Space plants 4 to 6 feet apart to accommodate mature size

Produces distinctive seed heads with bright yellow-orange stamens and red to brown or purple female flowers

Provides habitat for wildlife, including cover for birds and small mammals

Suitable for forage, erosion control, ornamental landscaping, and wildlife habitat restoration

Often grown alone but can be mixed with other native grasses like switchgrass or big bluestem

Remove dead vegetation in early spring before new growth begins, cutting back in spring promotes healthy growth

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Generally resistant to pests but can occasionally be affected by grasshoppers or aphids

Resistant to most diseases but can occasionally suffer from frost heaving or leaf spot

Eastern gamagrass has been used in phytoremediation efforts to clean up contaminated soils and wastewater due to its ability to sequester heavy metals like zinc