Tripsacum dactyloides aka Eastern Gama Grass

Tripsacum dactyloides, or eastern gamagrass, is a perennial grass in the Poaceae family. Its native range spans the central and eastern United States south to Ecuador. It also extends through the Caribbean into northern South America. This warm-season grass grows in clumps and is related to corn. Wild plants grow in moist fields, prairies, woodland edges, and stream margins. They also occur on limestone slopes and along roads.

Garden plants reach about 4–8 feet [1.2–2.44 metres] tall. They can spread to 6 feet [1.83 metres] wide. Some accounts give a smaller range of 4–6 feet [1.2–1.8 metres] tall. Wild stems can reach 12–13 feet [3.7–4 metres]. The broad green leaves arch outward and may droop. Each blade can reach 2–3 feet [0.6–0.9 metres] long. A pale midvein stands out among the parallel veins. The smooth, round stems grow upright and seldom branch. Their colour ranges from light green to pale red.

Flower spikes rise above the leaves from May through September. Each spike carries separate groups of male and female flowers. Male flowers sit above the female flowers and bear orange to reddish anthers. The female flowers have purple stigmas. Their spikelets form rows of short, joined cylinders. These sections break apart when ripe. Wind carries the pollen. Birds and small mammals eat the seeds. The flowers also suit cutting, while the leaves provide autumn interest.

Grow eastern gamagrass in sun or partial shade with moderate water. It favours moist, fertile loam but accepts clay and sand. Acid to neutral soil suits it, with good drainage. It also tolerates brief dry spells and wet periods. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 4–9. Frost kills the top growth, which returns in warm weather. Cut dead leaves and stems back after frost or in winter. Thick rhizomes and seed help it spread, but its growth is not strongly aggressive.

This large grass suits meadows, native gardens, woodland borders, and pond edges. Its clumps give quail and other wildlife cover. Some grass skipper larvae feed on it, and cattle browse its leaves. It also has uses in soil conservation. No serious insect or disease problems are reported. It tolerates urban sites and black walnut. People can cook the seeds, pop them, or grind them into flour. Useful Tropical Plants reports no known hazards or medicinal uses.