Tripsacum dactyloides (L.) L., eastern gamagrass 
DESCRIPTION 
Warm-season , robust, rhizomatous perennial. 
Height: 5 to 9 feet. 
Leaf blade: 12 to 24 inches long; 3/8 to 1/2 inch wide; flat; 
pronounced midrib. 
Leaf sheath: Flattened ; shorter than internodes. 
4 Seedhead: 2 or 3 terminal racemes, occasionally 1 ; spikelets 
unisexual: pistillate (female) spikelets on lower fourth of 
spike; staminate (male) above on same spike. 
% GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
Makes major growth in early spring. Stays green until late fall 
or frost if moisture is available. Produces seed from July to Sep- 
tember. May grow in almost pure stands over a large acreage. Ro- 
bust growth makes eastern gamagrass very conspicuous. Produces 
few viable seed. 
DISTRIBUTION 
From Massachusetts to Michigan, Iowa, and Nebraska and 
throughout the Southern States. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Grows best on moist, well-drained fertile soils. Does not toler- 
ate standing water for long periods. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Eastern gamagrass is a choice hay plant and, if possible, is usu- 
ally managed for hay production. It is readily grazed by all live- 
stock during spring and summer. Because its foliage breaks down 
and deteriorates rapidly after frost, this grass is not dependable 
for winter grazing. 
For maximum production of this grass, do not remove more 
than 50 to 60 percent of current growth by weight at any time 
during growing season. Defer grazing at least 90 days every 2 to 
3 years to enable plants to produce seed. For quality hay, cut 
when seedheads start appearing. Set the mower to leave a 6- to 
8-inch stubble. 
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