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.
Best time to see a American Mannagrass
The best time to see a American Mannagrass is June–July, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 138 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a American Mannagrass? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent American Mannagrass sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a American Mannagrass? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a American Mannagrass is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love plants? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.