Rattlesnake Grass

About Rattlesnake Grass

Rattlesnake Grass, also known as Rattlesnake Manna Grass, is an elegant wetland specialist named for its distinctive, drooping seed heads that resemble the rattles of a rattlesnake. This perennial bunchgrass typically grows 2 to 5 feet tall and thrives in the saturated soils of marshes, bogs, and shoreline edges. Its delicate, open panicles emerge in mid-summer, transitioning from a soft green to a beautiful tan hue as they mature. Native to the northeastern and north-central United States and much of Canada, it is an obligate wetland species, perfectly adapted to life in standing water or consistently wet mud. Rattlesnake Grass provides excellent cover and nesting material for waterfowl and other marsh-dwelling birds, while its seeds serve as a food source for various wildlife. In a landscape setting, it is an ideal choice for shoreline stabilization, pond edges, or wet meadow restorations. It prefers full to partial sun and will not tolerate dry conditions, making it a dependable performer for consistently damp sites.