Secale sylvestre

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae

What it is like

Secale sylvestre is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). It is not frost tender. 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 and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 1.2

Where it is found

Sandy soils.

Europe to Tropical Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Seed - cooked. It can be used whole, or ground into a flour and used as a cereal.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species but it should succeed as an annual crop in Britain. It might be possible to sow it as an over-wintering annual. Succeeds in most soils but prefers a well-drained light soil in a sunny position. Cultivated for its seed in the mountains of Tibet and China.

Propagating it: Seed - sow March or October in situ and only just cover the seed. Germination should take place within 2 weeks.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

S. fragile.