Rattlesnake grass (Glyceria canadensis, Mém. Acad. Imp. Sci. St.-Pétersbourg, Sér. 6, Sci. Math. 1: 366 (1830))

Family: Poaceae

Author: (Michx.) Trin.

Bibliography: Mém. Acad. Imp. Sci. St.-Pétersbourg, Sér. 6, Sci. Math. 1: 366 (1830)

Year: 1830

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Glyceria

Vegetable: False

Observations: Canada to N. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Rattlesnake grass, known scientifically as Glyceria canadensis, is a remarkable species belonging to the Poaceae family. This distinctive grass was first detailed in 1830 in the “Mémoires de l’Académie Impériale des Sciences de Saint-Pétersbourg, Série 6, Sciences Mathématiques,” through the work of its designated author, Trinius, who built upon the initial identification by André Michaux.

Found predominantly across the various landscapes of Canada and extending into the northern and eastern regions of the United States, Glyceria canadensis thrives in these temperate zones. As such, it plays a crucial role in the native ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity and stabilizing local soil conditions.

Glyceria canadensis is particularly noted for its unique physical attributes. This species is easily recognizable by its loose, nodding panicles of spikelets that resemble rattles, which is the origin of its common name, Rattlesnake grass. These spikelets, combined with the plant’s lush, green foliage, make it not only an ecologically significant species but also an aesthetically pleasing one.

Typically inhabiting wetlands, marshes, and the banks of rivers and streams, Rattlesnake grass is well adapted to moist environments. Its presence in these habitats often indicates healthy water systems, serving as a key bioindicator for environmental scientists and conservationists.

In summary, Glyceria canadensis, or Rattlesnake grass, is a vital member of the Poaceae family, with a historical backdrop rooted in early 19th-century botanical study. Its widespread distribution across Canada and parts of the USA underscores its adaptability and ecological importance in wetland and riparian habitats.

Common Names

Eng: rattlesnake grass, rattlesnake manna grass, canada mannagrass, canadian glyceria, canadian mannagrass, rattlesnake mannagrass
Fra: glycérie du canada
Swe: indiangröe
Lat: rattlesnake mannagrass
En: Rattlesnake grass, Rattlesnake manna grass, Rattlesnake mannagrass, Limp Manna Grass, Canada mannagrass, Canadian glyceria, Canadian mannagrass, Canada Manna-grass
Fi: Kanadansorsimo
Fr: Glycérie du Canada
La: Rattlesnake Mannagrass
Sv: Indiangröe

Synonyms

• Briza canadensis (Michx.)
• Panicularia canadensis ((Michx.) Kuntze)
• Megastachya canadensis ((Michx.) Roem. & Schult.)
• Poa canadensis ((Michx.) Torr.)
• Panicularia laxa (Scribn.)
• Glyceria canadensis var. parviflora (Fernald)
• Nevroloma canadensis ((Michx.) Raf.)
• Glyceria laxa ((Scribn.) Scribn.)
• Glyceria canadensis var. laxa ((Scribn.) Hitchc.)

Distribution

• British Columbia (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Belgium (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 16, 2020 by David Hinds (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2020 by David Hinds (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2020 by Yannika Poirier-Martin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2021 by David Hinds (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2020 by Nicole Messländer-Henk (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)

Taken Jul 5, 2015 by EOL − Robert L Curtis (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2019 by Efimtseva Ksenia (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 4, 2014 by EOL − Patti Smith (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 5, 2015 by EOL − Robert L Curtis (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2705512)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:404069-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Glyceria canadensis (Michx.) Trin.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Bunch

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.5

Ph minimum: 5.0