A native tallgrass prairie species. Closely related to corn.

Native status: Native to eastern and central US

§ Quick facts

SizeHeight 1.5–2.5 m
LifespanPerennial; long-lived clones
OrderPoales
FamilyPoaceae

§ Encyclopedia

Tripsacum dactyloides, commonly called eastern gamagrass, or Fakahatchee grass, is a warm-season, sod-forming bunch grass. It is widespread in the Western Hemisphere, native from the eastern United States to northern South America. Its natural habitat is in sunny moist areas, such as along watercourses and in wet prairies. In some areas, it has adapted well to disturbed conditions.

Source: Wikipedia — Tripsacum dactyloides Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Tall warm-season grass with broad leaves; distinctive male and female flower spikes separated.

Similar species. Big Bluestem (different seed head). Indiangrass (different head shape).

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. N/A — photosynthesis

Behavior. Closely related to corn — the closest wild relative of maize. Wind-pollinated.

§ Range

Eastern and central US

§ Habitat

Tallgrass prairie remnants

§ Threats

Prairie loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the eastern gamagrass is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support prairie restoration.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USDA Plants Database
  • The Nature Conservancy