Mountain Rice, Roughleaf ricegrass
Oryzopsis asperifolia

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae

What it is like

Oryzopsis asperifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from April 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 and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Open coniferous woods, thickets and peaty openings southwards from Canada.

Eastern N. America - Newfoundland to British Columbia, south to New York, West Virginia and Wyoming.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Seed - raw, cooked or ground into a meal. The seed is fairly large with a fine and abundant farina, it can be ground into an excellent flour. A pleasant taste. The seed is difficult to harvest because it drops from the plant very easily.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. One report says that the plant has a relatively large seed and is deserving of more attention as a potential food crop. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any moderately fertile moisture retentive soil in full sun.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ. We have had better results from sowing the seed in a greenhouse. Only just cover the seed and it should germinate freely within 2 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer. Division in spring. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

O. aspera.