American Mannagrass is a tall, robust native grass of wet habitats across most of North America, growing 3–5 feet tall in marshes, stream banks, and shallow water. It produces large, spreading, purplish-green panicles that arch gracefully in summer. Mannagrass seeds were an important food for Indigenous peoples of the Great Lakes region, where they were harvested by canoe in a process similar to wild rice harvesting. It provides excellent waterfowl habitat.
Habitat
Found in marshes, stream banks, lake shores, and wet meadows across most of North America.
Diet
Seeds consumed by ducks, rails, and geese; provides cover for nesting waterfowl and marsh birds.
How common
Common
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