How much sun does Swamp Ricegrass need?

Swamp Ricegrass grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Swamp Ricegrass bloom?

Swamp Ricegrass blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Swamp Ricegrass native?

Swamp Ricegrass (Leersia hexandra) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 8 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Swamp Ricegrass HOA-friendly?

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

Swamp Ricegrass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Leersia hexandra

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Swamp Ricegrass (Leersia hexandra) 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 × 6"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, FL, GA and 8 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

East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Mississippi Alluvial Plain Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain

Swamp ricegrass is a native wetland grass that forms low clumps of slender green foliage. It thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and produces inconspicuous flower spikes during summer months.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

Requires consistently wet conditions that may create drainage issues
Has informal wetland appearance that looks unkempt
May spread aggressively in suitable conditions

Wildlife value

This grass provides seed for waterfowl and small birds, and offers nesting habitat for wetland wildlife. The dense growth also provides cover for amphibians and small mammals in wet areas.

Common questions

How much sun does Swamp Ricegrass need?: Swamp Ricegrass grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Swamp Ricegrass bloom?: Swamp Ricegrass blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Swamp Ricegrass native?: Swamp Ricegrass (Leersia hexandra) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 8 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Swamp Ricegrass HOA-friendly?: Swamp Ricegrass 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 Swamp Ricegrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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