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Tripsacum dactyloides

(Eastern gamagrass)

Tripsacum dactyloides Photo/Illustration: Scott Vogt


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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name:

Tripsacum dactyloides

Common Name: Eastern gamagrass Genus: Tripsacum
In early summer, slender stems are topped with flowers that produce a crop of jointed seeds. Clumps get large and die out in the center, so division is necessary. Autumn frosts turn the leaves attractive shades of red-bronze.
 Noteworthy characteristics: The wide leaves and lush growth have an almost tropical appearance.
 Care: Easy to grow. Plant in full sun or light dappled shade. It likes moist soil and tolerates standing water if it it drains relatively quickly.
 Propagation:

Divide every three or four years in spring.


 Problems:

No serious problems.
Height 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun Only;Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Showy Fall Foliage; Showy Seed Heads
Bloom Time Early Summer; Summer
Uses , Beds and Borders, Screening, Meadow Garden
Style , Container
Seasonal Interest , Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type ,Grasses,Natives

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