Tripsacum dactyloides - Fakahatchee grass

A dozen or more species of Tripsacum are native to warm regions of the Americas. The genus Tripsacum is very closely related to Zea (maize) and hybrids between the two genera are reported. Fakahatchee grass is native throughout Florida and much of the eastern United States. Its dense, fibrous root system is excellent for erosion control. Relatively large seeds produced in late summer are a wildlife food.

This native grass is easy to grow in northeast Florida. While it grows naturally in moist locations, it is reasonably drought tolerant in the garden.