Plant Library

Other Names:  Gama Grass, Fakahatchee Grass

Description:

A vigorous, clump forming native grass with coarse arching blades that are narrow and flat; finger-like orange and purple flower spikes from mid-spring to late summer; add texture to borders or along the edges of ponds or walkways

Ornamental Features

Eastern Gamagrass has masses of beautiful spikes of orange flowers with purple overtones at the ends of the stems from mid spring to late summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. Its attractive grassy leaves remain green in color with pointy white spines throughout the year. The yellow seed heads are carried on spikes from late summer to late fall.

Landscape Attributes

Eastern Gamagrass is a dense herbaceous evergreen perennial grass with a shapely form and gracefully arching stems. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other garden plants with finer foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It is a good choice for attracting birds and butterflies to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spreading
• Self-Seeding

Eastern Gamagrass is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• General Garden Use
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Eastern Gamagrass will grow to be about 6 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant performs well in both full sun and full shade. It is quite adaptable, prefering to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is native to parts of North America. It can be propagated by division.