AGR-175

Forage Identification and Use Guide

Eastern Gamagrass

Tripsacum dactyloides

Eastern gamagrass seed heads are segmented and form large seeds when mature, and its leaves extend all the way to the base of the plant, which forms a ring that expands as the plant gets older. Eastern gamagrass plants form a large, circular clump that expands as plants get older.

Description
Coarse, tall-growing, highly palatable, native warm-season perennial bunchgrass with thick rhizomes. Grows 4 to 6 feet tall.
Uses
Pasture, hay, and haylage.
Advantages
High yields and highly palatable to livestock. More even growth over entire season than switchgrass, big bluestem, or indiangrass. Will grow on wet sites.
Disadvantages
Somewhat expensive to seed. Seed can have high levels of dormancy leading to slow, uneven emergence and establishment. Must be rotationally grazed and rested in fall to persist.
Seeding
Rate: 7-10 lb/a
Depth: 1 in
Date: Apr 15-Jun 15
Harvest
First harvest: Jun 15
Annual yield: 4-6 tons dry matter/a

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