Eriocoma hymenoides

Common Names

Indian Rice Grass, Indian Millet, Sandgrass

Summary

Indian ricegrass is a cool-season, perennial bunchgrass native to western North America that forms tight tussocks with culms 25–70 cm tall and slender, rolled leaves; it features an open panicle 9–20 cm long and 8–14 cm wide, glumes 5–9 mm, florets 3–4.5 mm, and densely pilose lemmas with 2.5–6 mm hairs; awns are 3–6 mm and deciduous, giving a delicate, airy inflorescence; roots form a rhizosheath with mucilaginous secretions harboring nitrogen-fixing organisms, and mycorrhizae may occur, aiding colonization. Found on dry, well-drained soils in the western flora region from British Columbia and Alberta south to southern California and northern Mexico, it often grows in sandy or desert scrub habitats and can help stabilize shifting sand; flowering occurs May–August; seeds are edible and historically used as food by Native Americans, and the plant is a valuable forage for livestock and wildlife; natural hybrids with other Stipeae occur and cultivars exist for restoration and ornamental use.

Culture favors dry, well-drained soils; drought tolerance and erosion-control potential suit restoration and xeriscape plantings; propagation is by seed, with spring sowing and relatively rapid germination. Seeds have long storage viability and are highly palatable to livestock and wild grazers; Native Americans historically ground the seeds into meal or flour for food; several cultivars have been developed for restoration, and ornamental use is increasing.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

10 inches - 2.5 feet

Spread

8-12 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun.

Soil Type

Dry, well-drained soils

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soils

Soil pH

Mildly acidic, neutral, or mildly alkaline soils.

Bloom Color

Yellow, Green

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green, Tan (when dormant)

Fall Foliage Color

Tan

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Not specified

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds (scarification; stratification; dormancy up to ~2 years), Division

Attracts Wildlife

Birds: Yes — seeds heavily consumed by birds.