Fakahatchee Grass

Fakahatchee Grass (Tripsacum dactyloides)

Common Names: Fakahatchee Grass, Eastern Gama Grass, Gamma Grass, Florida Gama Grass.

Best Growing Environment: Fakahatchee Grass is a native warm-season perennial grass widely distributed in the southeastern United States. It prefers moist to wet soils and can often be found in natural wetlands, making it suitable for water gardens or pond edges. While it adapts well to various soil types, it especially thrives in well-drained soils.

Average Height: Mature plants typically stand about 4 to 6 feet tall, with some specimens reaching up to 8 feet when in bloom.

Growth Rate: Fakahatchee Grass exhibits a moderate growth rate, expanding through clumps and clumping rhizomes, but is not aggressively spreading.

Sun Requirements: This grass thrives best in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. However, too much shade can reduce its vigor and can cause the plant to become leggy or have fewer blooms.

Cold Hardiness: Being native to warmer climates, it's hardy in USDA zones 7 through 11. While mature plants can handle light frost, it's ideal to protect them from freezing temperatures, especially prolonged freezes.

Water Requirements: As a water-loving plant, Fakahatchee Grass prefers consistently moist soils. It's drought-tolerant once established but performs best with regular water, especially in dry periods.

Fertilizing Guide: Generally, Fakahatchee Grass doesn't require a lot of fertilization. However, if you're growing it in poorer soils, you can give it a boost in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Over-fertilization can lead to rapid growth which might result in the need for additional staking or support.

Planting Guide: When planting Fakahatchee Grass, choose a location with good soil drainage. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball, ensuring you loosen the surrounding soil. Place the plant into the hole, making sure it's level with the ground. Fill the hole and press the soil firmly around the plant's base. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil. When planting multiple plants, space them about 3 to 4 feet apart to accommodate their mature size.

USDA Zone: Fakahatchee Grass is best suited for USDA zones 7-11.

In landscaping, Fakahatchee Grass is prized for its dramatic vertical lines and its feathery, light-catching flower tassels. It's an excellent choice for adding texture and movement in the garden, serving as a focal point or a backdrop to other plants. This grass is also a great option for naturalistic or wild gardens, given its native status in many southeastern areas.