Volga Wild Rye, Mammoth wildrye
Leymus racemosus

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae

What it is like

Leymus racemosus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to September, 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. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 1.2

Where it is found

Dry sandy soils.

Europe, in Russia, to central Asia and Tibet.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Seed - used as a cereal substitute in some parts of Russia, especially in times of drought. The seed is rather small and difficult to extract. Young underground shoots - raw. Sweet and tender.

Oil: Oil

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Plants have an extensive spreading root system and are used to stabilize inland sand dunes, though they do not tolerate salty conditions.

Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.

Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.

How it is grown

Succeeds in most soils, preferring a sandy soil and a sunny position. Established plants are drought resistant. Plants can be very invasive, spreading freely by means of the rhizomes. Currently (1990) being evaluated as a perennial grain crop in N. America. There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value.

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: 4-8

Growth:

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

E. giganteus. Vahl. Leymus racemosus. (Lam.)Tzvelev.