Tripsacum dactyloides (Eastern Gamagrass)

A genuine erosion-control powerhouse with roots reaching as deep as 20 feet, eastern gamagrass is confirmed drought and occasional-flood tolerant - a rare combination - while serving as a documented larval host for the Byssus Skipper and several other grass skippers, all from a plant that can live for 50 years or more.

Species Overview

Tripsacum dactyloides, or eastern gamagrass, is a robust, long-lived warm-season bunchgrass native to the eastern United States, growing 4 to 8 feet tall from a dense, extremely deep root system. A distant relative of corn, it produces distinctive flower spikes with orange male stamens above purple female stigmas from mid-spring through late summer.

Application

• Erosion control and revegetation on wet-to-mesic disturbed sites
• Larval host habitat for the Byssus Skipper and other grass skippers
• Wildlife cover plantings - valued quail habitat
• Long-lived accent and vegetative barrier plantings

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Wet to mesic soils; prefers fertile loamy soils, tolerates occasional flooding
• Drought Tolerance: High - once established
• Flood Tolerance: Moderate - Often found at wetland margins in addition to upland sites; tolerates periodically wet soil.
• Plant Type: Graminoid
• Mature Height: 4-8 ft.
• Fall Color: Insignificant/None
• Wetland Indicator Status: NI (No Indicator) - see flags
• Native Range: Northeast/Mid-Atlantic (full list)
• Hydrology: Mesic-Moist
• Root Depth: Very Deep (36 in.+)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged)
• Shade Tolerance: Intermediate
• Growth Habit: Clumping/Mounding
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
• Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports butterflies, supports moths

Planting Guidance

• Root system can extend as deep as 20 feet, anchored further by short, swollen corms at the soil surface - an exceptionally robust erosion-control system. Long-lived, persisting for 50 years or more once established; provides valued cover for quail and other ground-nesting wildlife.

Please allow 3 business days for all seed orders.