Giant Rye Grass Leymus condensatus

Giant Rye Grass
Leymus condensatus (J. Presl..) A. Löve.

Located 6 Jun 1906 at Camp Chopunnish on the Clearwater River.

Giant rye grass is a perennial growing to 2m. It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Wind. The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure. Succeeds in most soils, preferring a sandy soil and a sunny position. Established plants are drought resistant. Plants are tolerant of saline and alkaline soils[.

Food Uses:
The seed may be cooked and ground into a flour and used to make bread; however, the seed is rather small and rather difficult to extract.

Medicinal Uses:
A decoction or infusion of the leaves has been used as a wash for sore eyes. The dried leaves have been used to scrape pimples from the underside of the eyelid.

Other Uses:
The leaves are used for making mats, rope, paper; while the stems are used for thatching roofs. The roots can be tied together and used as a hair comb.

Value to Wildlife:
Important forage for browsing and grazing wildlife.

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Food Uses: The seed may be cooked and ground into a flour and used to make bread; however, the seed is rather small and rather difficult to extract.

Medicinal Uses: A decoction or infusion of the leaves has been used as a wash for sore eyes. The dried leaves have been used to scrape pimples from the underside of the eyelid.

Food Uses:
The seed may be cooked and ground into a flour and used to make bread; however, the seed is rather small and rather difficult to extract.

Medicinal Uses:
A decoction or infusion of the leaves has been used as a wash for sore eyes. The dried leaves have been used to scrape pimples from the underside of the eyelid.