Eastern gamagrass typically begins flowering in late May or early June.
eastern gamagrass
Tripsacum dactyloides
Eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides) is a warm season perennial grass native to North America, thriving across a variety of habitats. It grows up to 2 metres in height and produces spikes of silky, wax-like flowers during late summer. It has an extensive root system, able to spread up to 6 metres deep and hold moisture in dry conditions. Its deep-seated rhizomes also make it a very durable species, able to recover from fire or grazing. Its high quality nutrient content makes it ideal forage for animals, while its tall stalks provide excellent shelter for wildlife. Eastern gamagrass is an incredibly useful species, due to its hardiness, fertility, and a range of other benefits.
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Tissue Culture
Hardiness Zone:
4 - 9
Flowers:
Purple (female) and Orange (male) Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green,red,yellow,purple
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Thorny:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Eastern gamagrass should be watered deeply once a week to a depth of approximately 8-12 inches. The frequency of watering can vary depending on the amount of rainfall received, the soil type, and the growth stage of the grass. During hot, dry conditions, water may need to be applied more often. For best results, water in the early morning hours so that the foliage has all day to dry out. Too much water can cause the plant to become weak and susceptible to fungal diseases.
sunlight
Eastern gamagrass, or Tripsacum dactyloides, generally prefers full sun exposure to grow and thrive. In an ideal situation, it should receive 6-8 hours of direct sunlight during the peak of the day (10am-4pm). However, if planted in less than ideal conditions, eastern gamagrass can tolerate some light shade. In these situations, around 4-5 hours of sunlight should be sufficient for the plant to keep growing healthily.
pruning
Eastern gamagrass should be pruned once a year. Pruning should take place in late spring after the last chance of frost and when the new growth has begun. This will help to shape the plant in the desired shape while also removing dead, dying, or diseased sections. At this time, about 1-third of the foliage should be cut back. Use sharp, clean pruning shears and prune at a slight angle away from the stem. Avoid cutting more than 1-third of the foliage as it will stress the plant. If the gamagrass is growing in a large area, prune out some of the oldest stalks entirely. This will give the plant extra room and nice bushy shape.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
Starts Flowering
Eastern gamagrass typically begins flowering in late May or early June.
