Fowl Manna Grass
Glyceria striata
Last reviewed: July 2026
Glyceria striata (Fowl Manna Grass) is a native wetland grass found across most US states, blooming from May through July in moist to wet soils and partial shade conditions.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Fowl Manna Grass as toxic to livestock.
Light
part shade
Water
high
Size
12"–48" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Fowl manna grass is a native wetland grass that forms clumps of narrow green leaves reaching 1-4 feet tall. It produces delicate seed heads from May through July and thrives in consistently moist to wet soils in partial shade. This grass is best suited for rain gardens, pond edges, or other water features where it can receive the high moisture it requires.
Growing Fowl Manna Grass
Grow Fowl Manna Grass in part shade and high water. Mature plants reach 12 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Fowl Manna Grass takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires consistently wet conditions that are difficult to maintain in typical landscapes
- Can appear weedy or unkempt compared to traditional turf grass
- May spread beyond intended boundaries in moist conditions
Wildlife value
The seeds provide food for waterfowl and songbirds, while the dense clumps offer nesting habitat for birds. As a native grass, it supports various insects that feed on grasses and sedges.
Common questions
- Where does Glyceria striata naturally grow?
- Fowl Manna Grass is native to most US states from coast to coast, including wetland areas in both northern and southern regions.
- When does Fowl Manna Grass bloom?
- Glyceria striata produces flowers from May through July, with peak blooming typically occurring in early summer.
- What growing conditions does Glyceria striata prefer?
- This wetland grass thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and tolerates partial shade to shaded conditions, making it ideal for bog gardens and pond margins.
- Is Fowl Manna Grass toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Fowl Manna Grass as toxic to livestock.
- Is Fowl Manna Grass HOA-friendly?
- Fowl Manna Grass 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Fowl Manna Grass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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