Tripsacum dactyloides (Eastern Gamma Grass)

An interesting plant with an unusual appearance, Tripsacum dactyloides (Eastern Gamma Grass) is a warm season, perennial bunchgrass noted for its 1-3 erect to ascending floral spikes, 10 in. long (25 cm), adorned with orange stamens (male flowers) and purple stigmas (female flowers). On display from mid-spring to early summer, they are carried above a large clump of arching, narrow, flat blades, 12-24 in. long (30-60 cm), with a well-defined midrib. The foliage turns orange-pink in the fall. Eastern Gamma Grass is rhizomatous and naturalizes by creeping rhizomes and self-seeding. Long-lived (up to 50 years), this robust and stately grass can be used as an accent plant, groundcover, or in the perennial border. It is also used as a vegetative barrier for soil erosion control and revegetation. Finally, Eastern Gamma Grass is also suitable as a wildlife habitat for wild animals like quails and prairie chickens. It provides good cover during the winter for grassland sparrows.

• Grows up to 4-8 ft. tall (120-240 cm) and 4-6 ft. wide (120-180 cm).
• Performs best in full sun or part shade, in average, moist to mesic, well-drained soils. Gama Grass is able to tolerate hot dry weather because of its deep root system. It does not tolerate standing water for long periods.
• Versatile plant that can be used in woodland gardens, prairies and meadows, naturalized areas, and along the edges of ponds or streams.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Eastern Gamma Grass should not be cut or grazed below 8 in. (20 cm). Cutting or grazing too low will reduce stand vigor and health.
• Native to the United States, Mexico, Central, and South America, and the Caribbean region.