Italian Ryegrass
Lolium multiflorum

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae

What it is like

Lolium multiflorum is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to September. 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. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Meadows, field margins and roadsides, avoiding acid soils.

Original habitat is obscure, it is naturalized in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

A good green manure crop, it can be sown in autumn or spring and is often combined with clover.

Green manure: Fast-growing plants that can be used to increase the fertility of the soil.

How it is grown

Dislikes shade.

Propagating it: When growing as a green manure crop, the seed can be sown from early spring to early autumn in situ.

Best place to grow: Meadow; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Biennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

L. italicum. L. perenne multiflorum.