June Grass, Prairie Junegrass
Koeleria macrantha

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae

What it is like

Koeleria macrantha is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower from June to July. 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 soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Sandy places, chalk and limestone pastures.

Northern temperate zone, including Britain, between latitudes 37° and 60° N.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Seed - cooked. It is ground into a powder and eaten like porridge or used as a flour for making bread etc.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The plant has been used in the treatment of cuts.

Styptic: An astringent that stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels.

Other

Rating:

The leaf blades of the plant have been tied together and used as paintbrushes and brooms. Bunches of the leaf blades, about 30cm long, have been tied with string or yucca fibre, and used as a scourer for cleaning pans etc. The straw has been mixed with adobe to give strength and adhesion when building walls.

Broom: Used for sweeping the floor etc.

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

How it is grown

Succeeds in most soils in a sunny position. Prefers a chalky soil. Grows best in a soil that is not too fertile. This is an aggregate species. K. cristata is now divided into K. macrantha (which is also the name of the aggregate) and K. pyramidata (Lam.)Beauv. K. macrantha is native to Britain, K. pyramidata, which is found wild in meadows and wood margins, is native to much of mainland Europe.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ and only just cover the seed. Germination should take place within three weeks. Division in spring.

Best place to grow: Meadow; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

K. cristata. K. gracilis. K. pyramidata. Aira cristata.