American Manna Grass
(Glyceria grandis)
American Manna Grass (Glyceria grandis)
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Matt Lavin
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Matt Lavin
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Matt Lavin | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: Matt Lavin | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Glyceria grandis, commonly known as American manna grass, is a rhizomatous perennial grass native to wetlands, marshes, and the edges of ponds and streams across Canada and the United States. It can grow in both fresh and brackish waters. This species often reaches up to two meters in height and is characterized by its thin stems and sturdy leaves, each with a prominent central vein. The inflorescences are multibranched and spreading, with numerous small, oval-shaped spikelets that are not particularly showy. Flowering typically occurs in the summer.
American manna grass is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and filter water in wetland restoration projects. It is also used ornamentally in water gardens and naturalized areas where its high water requirement can be met. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers soils with slow to standing drainage, making it suitable for riparian plantings. While it is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems, it can spread readily in suitable conditions, potentially becoming weedy.CC BY-SA 4.0
American manna grass is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and filter water in wetland restoration projects. It is also used ornamentally in water gardens and naturalized areas where its high water requirement can be met. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers soils with slow to standing drainage, making it suitable for riparian plantings. While it is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems, it can spread readily in suitable conditions, potentially becoming weedy.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 3-5 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Slow, Standing
Common Uses
Erosion Control, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to wetlands, marshes, and the edges of ponds and streams
Other Names
Common Names: American Glyceria, Common Tall Mannagrass, Giant Glyceria, Giant Mannagrass, Reed Mannagrass, Tall Mannagrass, Glycérie Grande, Glycérie Géante, Kvarngröe
Scientific Names: , Glyceria grandis, Glyceria grandis f. grandis, Glyceria maxima subsp. grandis, Glyceria americana, Glyceria maxima var. americana, Panicularia grandis, Glyceria grandis var. komarovii, Panicularia americana, Glyceria flavescens
GBIF Accepted Name: Glyceria grandis S.Watson