Rattlesnake Mannagrass
Glyceria canadensis
- Native to:
- Canada, Labrador, Prince Edward I., United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © margaretcurtin (iNaturalist #124933667)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Glyceria
- Species:
- Glyceria canadensis
- USDA Symbol:
- GLCA
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- green, purple
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Comma Leucania (Leucania commoides), Doubtful Apamea (Apamea dubitans), glassy cutworm (Apamea devastator), Leucania lapidaria, Pink-spotted Dart Moth (Pseudohermonassa bicarnea)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- waterfowl, songbirds, small mammals
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, moist, organic soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in wetlands and marshes
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; sow in moist soil.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)