Glyceria striata (Fowl Mannagrass)

A dependable wetland-restoration workhorse, fowl mannagrass combines a confirmed obligate wetland status with genuine value for water quality - stabilizing soil and filtering sediments and nutrients in riparian and wetland plantings.

Species Overview

Glyceria striata (Fowl Mannagrass) is a perennial, rhizomatous grass native to North America, commonly found in wetland habitats such as marshes, swamps, and wet meadows. This grass thrives in moist to saturated soils, typically growing 1 to 4 feet tall, with narrow, arching leaves that are smooth and slightly glossy. The plant produces open, airy panicles of small spikelets in late spring to summer.

Application

• Wetland and riparian restoration - stabilizes soil and filters sediments and nutrients
• Marsh, swamp, and wet meadow plantings
• Water quality improvement projects in restoration and stormwater contexts
• Naturalized plantings in consistently moist to saturated soils

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Part Shade
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Moist to saturated soils; wet soils typical of marshes, swamps, and wet meadows
• Plant Type: Graminoid
• Mature Height: 2-4 ft.
• Fall Color: Insignificant/None
• Bloom Color / Period: Green; June-July
• Wetland Indicator Status: OBL (Obligate Wetland)
• Native Range: Widespread across North America
• Hydrology: Wet
• Root Depth: Shallow (Under 12 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Drought Tolerance: Low
• Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged)
• Flood Tolerance: High - A wetland grass (mannagrass) tolerant of standing water, though somewhat more shade tolerant than its relative Glyceria canadensis.
• Shade Tolerance: Tolerant
• Growth Habit: Spreading - rhizomatous
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
• Pollinator Value: None significant - wind-pollinated