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Fakahatchee Grass is a Florida-native ornamental grass that tolerates moist soil. Suitable for rain gardens, pond edges, and large landscape beds.
| Mature Height: | 4'-6' |
|---|---|
| Mature Width: | 3-5 ft. |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun to Part Shade (4-8+ Hours) |
| Water Needs: | Moderate |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate |
| Botanical Name: | Tripsacum dactyloides |
| Grows Well In Zones: | USDA Zones: 8-11 |
Fakahatchee Grass – A Florida-Native Grass for Moist Landscapes
Forms large clumps of arching green foliage and handles seasonal changes in soil moisture. Suitable for pond edges, rain gardens, and native landscape beds.
Fakahatchee Grass is a Florida-native ornamental grass known for its long, arching green leaves and large, clumping growth. It tolerates moist soil and seasonal changes in water levels, making it suitable for Southwest Florida landscapes. It is commonly used in native gardens, pond edges, rain gardens, and large landscape borders where substantial foliage coverage is needed. Botanicallyknown as Tripsacum dactyloides, typically grows 4–6 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide, with flowering stalks sometimes reaching higher. Its long, narrow leaves form dense, arching clumps that provide height and coverage in larger landscape beds.
This Florida-native grass grows best in full sun to partial shade and adapts to moist or well-drained soil. It performs particularly well in areas that receive regular irrigation or become temporarily wet during Southwest Florida's summer rainy season.
For landscape planting, space Fakahatchee Grass approximately 4–6 feet apart, depending on the starting plant size and desired coverage. Its large clumps make it suitable for mass plantings, pond borders, and the back of garden beds. Allow enough room for mature leaves to spread without extending into narrow walkways.
Newly planted Fakahatchee Grass requires regular watering while its roots become established. Mature plants tolerate occasional dry periods and temporary wet conditions, although consistent moisture generally supports fuller foliage growth.
Fakahatchee Grass develops an extensive root system that helps stabilize soil along slopes, pond banks, and drainage areas. Its dense foliage also provides shelter for birds and other small wildlife.
Fakahatchee Grass grows at a moderate to fast rate during warm weather and requires minimal maintenance. Older leaves may brown during cooler months and can be trimmed in late winter before new spring growth begins. Large, established clumps can be divided when necessary to control their spread.
Why You'll Love It
Florida-Native Growth: Naturally adapted to Florida's climate and provides foliage cover for birds and other small wildlife.
Large, Full Clumps: Develops dense groups of arching green leaves that fill open planting areas without requiring a woody hedge.
Moist Soil Tolerance: Handles regular irrigation and temporarily wet soil, making it suitable for pond edges and rain gardens.
Natural Landscape Height: Provides approximately 4–6 feet of foliage height behind shorter shrubs and flowering plants.
Sun Requirements: Grows best in full sun to partial shade, making it suitable for open landscape beds and partially shaded garden areas.
Water Needs: Requires regular watering during establishment. Mature plants tolerate short dry periods but grow best with consistent moisture.
Mature Size: Approximately 4–6 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide, with flowering stalks occasionally extending higher.
Best Uses: Native landscape gardens, freshwater pond edges, rain gardens, large landscape borders, background plantings, slopes, and drainage areas.
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