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Pale False Mannagrass

Torreyochloa pallida

Last reviewed: August 2026

Pale False Mannagrass (Torreyochloa pallida)
Photo: Sheri Hagwood / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Pale False Mannagrass (Torreyochloa pallida) 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 shade

Water

high

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, CT and 33 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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangePuget LowlandMarine West Coast ForestNorthwestern Forested MountainsSierra NevadaCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsNorth American DesertsCentral Basin and RangeSouthern RockiesArizona/New Mexico MountainsNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Pale false mannagrass is a native wetland grass that forms loose clumps in moist to wet soils. This cool-season perennial produces delicate, pale green flower heads in summer and thrives in partial shade conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Pale False 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 consistently wet soil which may appear problematic
  • Loose, informal growth habit looks unmanicured
  • May go dormant and look sparse in dry conditions

Wildlife value

This grass provides seeds for waterfowl and songbirds, particularly in late summer and fall. The dense clumps offer nesting habitat and cover for small wildlife in wetland areas.

Common questions

How much sun does Pale False Mannagrass need?
Pale False Mannagrass grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Pale False Mannagrass bloom?
Pale False Mannagrass blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Pale False Mannagrass native?
Pale False Mannagrass (Torreyochloa pallida) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 33 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Pale False Mannagrass HOA-friendly?
Pale False 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 Pale False Mannagrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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