Eastern Gama Grass
Tripsacum dactyloides
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
36"–96" H × 24"–48" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 26 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Eastern gama grass is a tall, robust native prairie grass that forms dense clumps with broad, arching leaves. It produces distinctive finger-like seed heads in summer and turns golden brown in fall. This warm-season grass is drought tolerant once established and provides excellent erosion control.
In an HOA neighborhood
Eastern Gama Grass takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Height up to 8 feet may violate height restrictions
- Can appear wild and unkempt to traditional landscaping preferences
- Large spread may encroach on neighboring properties
Wildlife value
The seed heads attract bees and beetles during blooming season. Birds feed on the seeds in fall and winter, while the dense clumps provide nesting cover for ground-dwelling wildlife.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Eastern Gama Grass fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.