🌿 Fakahatchee Grass (Tripsacum dactyloides)

Fakahatchee Grass, also called Eastern Gamagrass, is a bold, native ornamental grass that brings structure and movement to Florida landscapes. Its tall, upright clumps of green blades create a striking presence, while its tolerance for wet soils makes it a standout for naturalized and rain garden plantings. Low-maintenance and resilient, it’s a go-to choice for adding texture and height to both formal and wild garden designs.

🌸 Flowers & Foliage

• Foliage: Upright, coarse-textured green blades forming dense clumps

• Flowers: Reddish to purple flower spikes in summer, followed by small seed heads

• Habit: Fountain-like, arching clumps with a strong vertical presence

🌱 Plant Details

• Type: Native ornamental grass

• Mature Size: 4–6 ft. tall × 4–6 ft. wide

• Growth Habit: Clumping, upright, fountain-like

• Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Prefers moist to wet soils but adapts to average, well-drained sites

• Water Needs: Moderate; thrives in moist conditions but can handle dry spells once established

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 8–11

• Maintenance: Very low; cut back in late winter to refresh growth

🌟 Why We Love It

• Native strength — tough, reliable, and perfectly suited to Florida landscapes

• Tall, structural form — adds height and texture where needed

• Moisture tolerant — thrives in wet soils and rain gardens

• Wildlife friendly — provides cover for birds and habitat for pollinators

🌼 Landscape Uses

• Rain gardens and wetland edges

• Native and naturalized plantings

• Tall border or backdrop in mixed beds

• Habitat gardens for birds and pollinators

⚠️ Plant Notes

• Can spread by seed in naturalized areas — best suited for larger spaces.

• Cut back old foliage in late winter for fresh, vigorous spring growth.

✅ Level To Leaf Tip: Plant Fakahatchee Grass in groups near water features or rain-prone areas — it will thrive where many other plants struggle and create a natural Florida look.