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Northern Mannagrass

Glyceria borealis

Last reviewed: June 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)

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

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangeSierra NevadaCentral Basin and Range

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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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 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 Northern Mannagrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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