Toothache Grass Ctenium aromaticum
Previously known as:
- Campulosus aromaticus
- Phonetic Spelling
- TEEN-ee-um a-ro-MAT-ik-um
- Description
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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:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Native Plant
- Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Fine
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- Yes
- Stem Cross Section:
- Round
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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