Fowl Manna Grass

A wetland grass

Fowl Manna Grass, Glyceria striata, is a native, cool-season grass found in every county in Illinois. It grows in both forests and wetlands, tolerating sunny to shady conditions and wetter soils.

This grass typically grows 2-3 feet tall. The smooth stems have just a few leaves, and they are often held at 45 degree angles from the stem. There is a white membranous ligule at the base of the leaf blade.

Fowl Manna Grass produces a panicle inflorescence that typically droops to one side. The small spikelets look like they have tiny overlapping scales and are held on branches.

Need a refresher on grass identification terms, like ligule and spikelet? Check out this blog post!

grass in bloom with curved inflorescence

When in bloom, the stems of this grass often droop to one side, so the branches of the panicle droop to one side.

hand holding grass stem with leaf pulled back to show membranous ligule

Fowl Manna Grass has a membranous ligule at the base of the leaf blade.

The leaves of this grass are often held at a 45 degree angle from the stem.

How to Identify Fowl Manna Grass

Fowl Manna Grass, Glyceria striata, is a native, cool season grass found in every county in Illinois in forests and wetlands. It grows two to three feet tall and its smooth stems have just a few leaves along them. You can also find a tall, white membranous ligule in the collar region....