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Ctenium aromaticum is often confused with:
Muhlenbergia expansa Form
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Andropogon glomeratus Form
Aristida stricta Form
Muhlenbergia capillaris Muhlenbergia capillaris

Toothache Grass Ctenium aromaticum

Previously known as:

  • Campulosus aromaticus
Phonetic Spelling
TEEN-ee-um a-ro-MAT-ik-um
Description

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.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#winter interest#fall interest#ornamental grass#mass planting#NC native#quail#warm-season grass#native garden#clumping#flowers midsummer#dried arrangements#flowers late summer#wet soils tolerant#food source hard mast fruit#mammals#host plant#Audubon#coastal plant#perennial grass
 
Expanse of tall grass with comb-like flowering spikes at sunrise
Native setting - Mid Summer Miles Buddy CC BY-NC 4.0
Clump of bluish grass with comb-like flower spikes on tall culms
Form (in situ, with Sarracenia flava, Rhexia alifanus, etc.) - Mid Summer Miles Buddy CC BY-NC 4.0
Closeup of comb-like flower spikes from a clump of grass
Detail of inflorescence - Mid Summer Miles Buddy CC BY-NC 4.0
A large green and brown grass clump from above with broad leaves
Foliage with old infrutescence visible - Summer Abigail Valine CC BY-NC 4.0
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#winter interest#fall interest#ornamental grass#mass planting#NC native#quail#warm-season grass#native garden#clumping#flowers midsummer#dried arrangements#flowers late summer#wet soils tolerant#food source hard mast fruit#mammals#host plant#Audubon#coastal plant#perennial grass
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Ctenium
    Species:
    aromaticum
    Family:
    Poaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Has been used as a sialagogue, an agent that increases saliva. Perhaps used historically as a toothache remedy.
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of 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.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Native Plant
    Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Moist
    Occasional Flooding
    Occasionally Dry
    Occasionally Wet
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Caryopsis
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Fruit is an awned grain. After dropping the fruit, the seed heads curl into a spiral or corkscrew shape.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Green
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Spike
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Description:
    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.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Blue
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Sheath
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Linear
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    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.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    Yes
    Stem Cross Section:
    Round
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Native Garden
    Rain Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Mass Planting
    Small groups
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Reptiles
    Small Mammals
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Fire
    Heat
    Wet Soil