Glyceria septentrionalis
Hitchc.
Eastern mannagrass
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) Zihao Wang, some rights reserved (CC BY)
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) Summit Metro Parks - Robert Curtis, some rights reserved (CC BY)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Misha Zitser, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Misha Zitser
Summary
A tall perennial grass reaching 1.5 m with hermaphrodite, wind-pollinated flowers. Grows across light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils in mildly acidic to mildly alkaline ranges. Accommodates semi-shade or full sun with a preference for consistently wet soil and water-growing capability.
Description
A tall perennial grass reaching 1.5 m with hermaphrodite, wind-pollinated flowers. Grows across light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils in mildly acidic to mildly alkaline ranges. Accommodates semi-shade or full sun with a preference for consistently wet soil and water-growing capability.
Edible Uses
The seeds are edible, though no further preparation details are recorded. Note that the seeds are very small and fiddly to harvest.
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Canada, North America, USA,
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed here. It will require wet conditions or shallow water.
Propagation
Sow seed in spring in a greenhouse in a pot standing in 3–5cm of water. Surface sow or barely cover the seed; germination should occur within 3 weeks. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and plant out in early summer. For division, split clumps in spring — larger clumps can go directly into permanent positions, while smaller ones are best potted up and grown on in a cold frame until rooting well, then planted out in spring.
Other Uses
None known.
References (2)
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Romanowski, N., 2007, Edible Water Gardens. Hyland House. p 58
