Northern Wild Rice Species Fact Sheet
Official state grain of Minnesota!
The species is open-pollinated and has separate staminate (male) and pistillate (female) flowers
What is Northern Wild Rice?
- An aquatic, annual grass native to North America that grows in our lake and river systems.
- There are four species of wild rice. Zizania palustris is the species commonly cultivated for grain.
Nutritional Content
Not only tasty but very nutritious!
A Species in Decline?
Some native stands have been lost, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts for the species
An Important Grain
A human food source
- hand-harvested in canoes on Minnesota waterways
- Grown in managed paddies
A Sacred Gift
- integral to the culture and identity of Anishinaabeg and Dakota peoples
- aka manoomin and psin
A Natural Resource
Important habitat and food source for wildlife species including fish and waterfowl
Northern Wild Rice is Closely Related to White Rice
Distribution and Maintenance of Natural Stands
- Located on both state and tribal lands
- Annual fluctuations are common
- Harvesting permits are required
References
Tang, L., et al. (2010). Phylogeny and biogeography of the rice tribe (Oryzeae): Evidence from the combined analysis of 20 chloroplast fragments. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 54(1):266-277.
Oelke, E.A. et al., (1997). Wild rice: new interest in an old crop. Cereal Foods World 43:234-247.