Tripsacum dactyloides

Common Name
Gama grass
Eastern gamagrass
Plant Form
Grasses, Sedges & Rushes
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
6.0
Width (ft)
2.0 - 4.0
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
6, 7, 8, 9
Commercially available
Yes

Photographer: itsthequietones
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: peggyo
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Additional Info

Habitat: Fields, roadsides, low clearings, river shores and bars, and riverside prairies. Frequent in the Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and northern part of the mountains; no records from sw. Virginia to date.

Wildlife Value: Provides cover for native wildlife, notably quail. Larval host for some grass skippers (Herperiinae, notably the Byssus skipper). Seeds are consumed by birds and mammals.

Flower Color
Brown
Flower Prominence
Conspicuous
Bloom Time
Early Summer
Late Summer
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Soil Texture
Clay
Loamy
Sandy
Low Maintenance
Yes
Seed or Fruit eaten by wildlife?
Yes
Pollinators
Butterfiles
Earth Sangha Inventory

Founded in 1997, the Earth Sangha is a nonprofit public charity based in the Washington, DC, region. The Wild Plant Nursery is the most comprehensive source of local-ecotype, native plants in the Washington DC region, and the region’s only facility dedicated exclusively to this type of propagation. “Local-ecotype” plants are propagated from local, wild, naturally-occurring populations and are well-adapted to local conditions and for wildlife species that depend on the local forms, such as pollinators. Inventory is updated on a weekly basis so number may not be accurate.

Pots Available Plugs Available Location Notes
7 0 Pond Row View My Wishlist
Bona Terra Nursery

Small family-run native plant nursery with a focus on the local genetics necessary to restore diversity in the Chesapeake eco-region. Offers free remote design service for small gardens up to 400 square feet. Orders are placed via email and items can be picked up at their NW DC office or delivered for a fee. This plant list is from the beginning of the 2025 season and may be out-of-date

Pots Available Pot Size Notes Add to Wishlist
48 1 Gallon View My Wishlist