How much sun does Creeping Mannagrass need?

Creeping Mannagrass grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Creeping Mannagrass bloom?

Creeping Mannagrass blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Creeping Mannagrass native?

Creeping Mannagrass (Glyceria acutiflora) is native to AL, CT, DE, GA and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Creeping Mannagrass HOA-friendly?

Creeping Mannagrass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Creeping Mannagrass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Glyceria acutiflora

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Creeping Mannagrass (Glyceria acutiflora) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, CT, DE, GA and 17 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Ridge and Valley Eastern Temperate Forests Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Creeping mannagrass is a native perennial grass that thrives in wet soils and partially shaded areas. It forms loose clumps 1-3 feet tall with delicate seed heads that appear in summer. This grass works well in rain gardens, pond edges, and other consistently moist locations.

In an HOA neighborhood

Creeping Mannagrass takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Requires consistently wet conditions that may appear unkempt
Has a wild, informal appearance typical of wetland grasses
May be seen as too specialized/unusual for front yard landscapes

Wildlife value

The seeds provide food for waterfowl and songbirds, while the grass structure offers nesting material and shelter for small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Creeping Mannagrass need?: Creeping Mannagrass grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Creeping Mannagrass bloom?: Creeping Mannagrass blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Creeping Mannagrass native?: Creeping Mannagrass (Glyceria acutiflora) is native to AL, CT, DE, GA and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Creeping Mannagrass HOA-friendly?: Creeping Mannagrass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Creeping Mannagrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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