How much sun does Tall Mannagrass need?

Tall Mannagrass grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Tall Mannagrass bloom?

Tall Mannagrass blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Tall Mannagrass native?

Tall Mannagrass (Glyceria elata) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Tall Mannagrass HOA-friendly?

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

Tall Mannagrass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Glyceria elata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Tall Mannagrass (Glyceria elata) is a perennial grass native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states. It blooms in June, July, and August.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

24"–60" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 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 Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Madrean Archipelago

Glyceria elata is a tall native wetland grass that forms upright clumps with graceful seed heads in summer. This moisture-loving perennial thrives in wet soils and partial sun conditions. It provides natural movement and texture to water features or consistently moist garden areas.

Growing Tall Mannagrass

Grow Tall Mannagrass in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Tall 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.

Very tall height appears weedy in formal settings
Requires consistently wet soil which creates maintenance challenges
Informal wetland appearance conflicts with typical landscaping expectations

Wildlife value

The seeds provide food for waterfowl and songbirds, while the dense clumps offer nesting habitat for marsh birds. The grass structure supports beneficial insects and creates cover for small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Tall Mannagrass need?: Tall Mannagrass grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Tall Mannagrass bloom?: Tall Mannagrass blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Tall Mannagrass native?: Tall Mannagrass (Glyceria elata) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Tall Mannagrass HOA-friendly?: Tall 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 Tall Mannagrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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