Rice Cutgrass is a native wetland grass resembling rice in appearance, with long, rough-edged leaves that can cut exposed skin — giving it the common name. Found in shallow water, marshes, and stream margins across North America, it grows 2–5 feet tall and forms dense colonies by rhizomes. The small grains are an important food for a wide variety of wetland birds. Rice Cutgrass is a pioneer colonizer of newly exposed wet sediments along rivers and lake shores.
Habitat
Found in marshes, stream margins, shallow ponds, and wet disturbed areas across North America.
Diet
Seeds consumed by ducks, rails, and marsh-associated sparrows; provides cover for wetland wildlife.
How common
Common
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