Leymus racemosus
| Leymus racemosus | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 5 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 4' |
| Blooms: | Mid Summer-Early Fall |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Leymus racemosus (common name: volga wild rye)
Propagation: Seed - sow mid spring in situ and only just cover the seed[1]. Germination should take place within 2 weeks.
If the supply of seed is limited, it can also be sown in mid spring in a cold frame. Only just cover the seed. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in summer[K]
Division in spring or summer[1]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Cultivation: Succeeds in most soils, preferring a sandy soil and a sunny position[2][3]. Established plants are drought resistant[4]. Plants can be very invasive, spreading freely by means of the rhizomes.
Currently (1990) being evaluated as a perennial grain crop in N. America[4].
There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value[3].
Range: Europe to Asia.
Habitat: Dry sandy soils[5].
Edibility: Seed - used as a cereal substitute in some parts of Russia, especially in times of drought[4]. The seed is rather small and difficult to extract[K].
Young underground shoots - raw. Sweet and tender[4].
Usage: Plants have an extensive spreading root system and are used to stabilize inland sand dunes, though they do not tolerate salty conditions[6].
Pollinators: Wind
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Wind: Tolerates maritime wind exposure
Seed Ripens: Early Fall-Mid Fall
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Also Known As: E. giganteus. Vahl. Leymus racemosus. (Lam.)Tzvelev.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Grounds, Roger. Ornamental Grasses. Christopher Helm, 1989.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.
- ↑ Tutin, Tom et al.. Flora Europaea. Cambridge University Press, 1964.
- ↑ Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.