Toothache Grass is a native ornamental perennial in the Poaceae family. It is a clumping warm-season grass found in wet savannas and flatwoods in the Coastal Plain. As with other fire-associated grass species, flowering and seed production is most prolific after a burn. Toothache Grass prefers moist acidic clay to loamy soils, but is also reported from sandy sites. It is a facultative wetland species that can tolerate flooding or occasional drought, but will not tolerate salt. It can reach a maximum height of over 4 feet. The distinctive comb-like inflorescence consists of a terminal spike held at a slight angle from the stem with spikelets on one side. In autumn following seedfall, the spikes curl into attractive spiral shapes. The roots and lower stems contain isobutylamides that have a numbing effect on the mouth and lips when chewed, hence the common name. As indicated by the scientific name, the entire plant is aromatic. This unique grass is suitable for native coastal gardens in wet sites, though it may be difficult to find in cultivation.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in. | Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Rapid
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Clumping; Erect
Texture
Fine
Leaf color
Blue; Green
Leaf type
Sheath
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Linear
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf size
> 6 inches long, < 1 inch wide
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
Leaves bicolored and rather broad, bright bluish-green on the upper surface and pale green on the lower surface. Stem leaves shorter than basal leaves. Old sheaths form fibrous mat at the base of the clump.
Flower color
Green
Flower value
Fragrant; Showy
Flower form
Spike
Flower detail
Inflorescence is a panicle with awned spikelets on one side of the rachis, giving the appearance of a fine-tooth comb. Second glume of each spikelet with two conspicuous rows of glands. Blooms in mid- to late summer but may bloom in early autumn following a burn.
Bloom time
Summer
Fruit color
Brown/Copper
Fruit type
Caryopsis
Fruit value
Showy
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
Fruit is an awned grain. After dropping the fruit, the seed heads curl into a spiral or corkscrew shape.
Stem color
Green
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
Southeastern Coastal Plain of the United States
Distribution
Native to VA, NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, MS, LA
Wildlife value
Provides cover for birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Host plant for skippers. Seeds are eaten by birds. Foliage may be browsed by ruminants but is not preferred.
Attracts
Butterflies; Reptiles; Small Mammals; Songbirds
Food & Medicine
Harvest time
Fall
Fruit type
Caryopsis
Uses (ethnobotany)
Has been used as a sialagogue, an agent that increases saliva. Perhaps used historically as a toothache remedy.