Tripsacum floridanum - Dwarf gamma grass

About five species of Tripsacum are native to warm regions of the Americas. The genus Tripsacum is very closely related to Zea (maize) and hybrids are reported. Dwarf gamma grass is native to southern Florida and possibly Cuba. Its dense, fibrous root system is excellent for erosion control. Relatively large seeds produced in late summer are eaten by birds. This is considered a threatened species in Florida.

This native grass is easy to grow in northeast Florida. It grows naturally in rocky, dry, sunny locations and is reasonably drought tolerant in the garden.