Wood Millet, American milletgrass
Milium effusum
Family: Poaceae or Gramineae
What it is like
Milium effusum is an evergreen Perennial growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. 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 heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Damp shady woods, especially oak and beech, on heavy humus rich lime soils.
Europe, including Britain but excluding the Mediterranean, east to Siberia and the Himalayas..
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Seed - cooked. Ground into a powder and used as a flour for making bread.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 3
Leaves (straw) are used for weaving hats etc. Plants have a running root system and can be used for ground cover. They should be mown 2 - 3 times in their first 2 - 3 years in order to encourage thick growth. Plants should be spaced about 30cm apart each way.
Weaving: Items such as grass and palm leaves that are woven together for making mats, baskets etc. See also Basket making and Fibre.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
How it is grown
Requires a fertile moist but well-drained soil in a shady position. Succeeds in dry shade, tolerating drought when established. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. Plants are tufted with a short rootstock and are short-lived. They often self-sow. At least one named form has been selected for its ornamental value.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ. Division in spring. Very easy, large 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 Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Ground Cover;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade
Moisture: Dry, moist