Eastern Gamagrass

A common species of wet and dry prairies, roadsides and savannas, eastern gamagrass is a productive and high quality forage for all classes of livestock. Given the nickname “icecream grass” in some parts of its range due to its high palatability. Eastern gamagrass is often planted as a monoculture for haying, but can be included in more diverse grass mixtures for pasture. Eastern gamagrass has a visually appealing upright growth habit and makes for a good accent in semi formal wildflower plantings. Seed heads are often formed in clustered groups of three, giving a turkey foot appearance. Flowers are separate, with a tassel portion held above the seed which has silks, similar to its distant relative corn. Eastern gamagrass is very adaptable and can perform well in wet, occasionally flooded areas as well as drier sites.

Planting date: Dormant seeding, November – February                                                       

Stratification required.

•   Height:  42-84 inches tall
•   Moisture: wet to average
•   Sun Exposure: Full
•   Planting Rate: 10 pounds per acre