Western Manna Grass (Glyceria occidentalis)
Other names northwestern mannagrass, western mannagrass
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
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
Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse in a pot standing in 3 - 5cm of water. Surface sow the seed, or only just cover it. Germination should take place within 3 weeks. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer. If you have sufficient seed then it can be sown outdoors in situ in mid to late spring. Division in spring. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Edible uses
Seed - cooked. The seed is very small and fiddly to harvest[K].
Habitat
Along the sides of lakes, ponds and streams, it is also found in marshy areas.
Native range
Western N. America - Idaho to British Columbia, south to California and Nevada.