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Northern Mannagrass

Glyceria borealis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Northern Mannagrass (Glyceria borealis)
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA NRCS. 1992. Western wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. West Region, Sacramento. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Northern Mannagrass (Glyceria borealis) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Northern Mannagrass as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, CT and 25 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

Coast RangePuget LowlandNorthwestern Forested MountainsSierra NevadaNorth American DesertsCentral Basin and RangeSouthern RockiesArizona/New Mexico MountainsNorthwestern Great PlainsGreat PlainsNorthern Glaciated PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Northern manna grass is a native wetland grass that forms clumps of slender, arching foliage. It produces delicate flower clusters from June through August and thrives in consistently moist to wet soils.

In an HOA neighborhood

Northern Mannagrass 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 very wet conditions that may create drainage concerns
  • May spread in optimal wet conditions
  • Uncommon appearance unfamiliar to many HOAs

Wildlife value

This grass provides seed for waterfowl and songbirds, and offers nesting material and shelter for wetland wildlife. The flowers attract small flies and other moisture-loving insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Northern Mannagrass need?
Northern Mannagrass grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Northern Mannagrass bloom?
Northern Mannagrass blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Northern Mannagrass native?
Northern Mannagrass (Glyceria borealis) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 25 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Northern Mannagrass toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Northern Mannagrass as toxic to livestock.
Is Northern Mannagrass HOA-friendly?
Northern 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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