Rattlesnake Manna Grass has a very interesting and attractive seed head. I was introduced to this plant when Amanda’s Garden was asked to custom grow it for an organization. It was a great find. Grasses are an important part of a plant community. When grasses are in included in meadow or wetland gardens big or small they help to keep the flowing plants upright. They work as plants for plants with large flower heads to lean on. Grasses provide cover for animals and make fine nesting materials for birds.
 
Rattlesnake Manna grass is a cool season grass with bright green leaf blades. The seed heads (spikelets) are flat on one side and look like a rattlesnake’s rattle hence the common name. The grass grows 24 to 36 inches tall. It is happiest in full sun to part shade in wet to moist soils.
 
Plant with other moisture loving plants such as cardinal flower,  Joe pye weed, blue flag iris, boneset and marsh marigold.