How to Grow and Care for Mannagrasses

These plants reach a height of 10 to 160 cm with a bushy habit. The prevailing biological form is rhizomatous geophyte (G rhiz), that is herbaceous perennial plants that carry buds in an underground position; during the adverse season they do not present aerial organs and the gems are found in underground organs like bulbs.

Referred to as the fowl Mannagrass, the Glyceria striata is native to North America. This common species of bunchgrass is found in wet areas and is considered a good food source for horses and cattle.

The reed mannagrass is an aquatic, perennial grass endemic to Eurasia that grows in damp environments such as riverbanks and ponds. It is deemed harmful in some locations. It is considered very invasive, particularly in Australia, since it may grow into a thick, impermeable monoculture that drives out indigenous species.

Water manna grass is an aquatic plant that can be found in ditches, ponds, and riverbanks. The specific epithet, fluitans, means "floating," as the leaves sit atop the water's surface. Water manna grass is part of the UK's Biodiversity Action Plan, where it is an essential component of rush pastures and purple moor grass.

Rattlesnake mannagrass (Glyceria canadensis) is a perennial grass that can grow up to 91 cm tall. It is commonly found in wetlands, marshes, and swamps, and has often been used in wetland mitigation sites. It thrives in full sun to partial shade with moist soil, and blooms in summer with spikes of brown flowers that curve downward.