Swamp Ricegrass
Leersia hexandra
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CA, FL and 9 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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, CA, FL and 9 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database 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 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 Swamp Ricegrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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