Giant Wild Rye
Leymus condensatus

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae

What it is like

Leymus condensatus is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 2

Where it is found

Dunes by the coast, dry plains and slopes. Also found in damp alkaline soils near streams.

Western N. America - Alberta to British Columbia, south to Nebraska, Arizona and California.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Seed - cooked. It can be ground into a flour and used to make bread. The seed is rather small and rather difficult to extract.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 1

A decoction or infusion of the leaves has been used as a wash for sore eyes. The dried leaves have been used to scrape pimples from the underside of the eyelid.

Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.

Other

Rating:

The leaves are used for making mats, rope, paper etc. The stems are used for thatching roofs etc. The roots can be tied together and used as a hair comb.

Brush: Used for cleaning clothes, as a paintbrush etc.

Thatching: Used for making thatched roofs.

Weaving: Items such as grass and palm leaves that are woven together for making mats, baskets etc. See also Basket making and Fibre.

How it is grown

Succeeds in most soils, preferring a sandy soil and a sunny position. Established plants are drought resistant. Plants are tolerant of saline and alkaline soils. A very variable species, it is possibly suitable for cultivation as a perennial cereal.

Propagating it: Seed - sow mid spring in situ and only just cover the seed. 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 Division in spring or summer. 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.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Leymus condensatus.