Achnatherum hymenoides (Indian Ricegrass)

(Poaceae)

State grass of Utah, excellent cold and drought tolerance and will thrive in almost any location in Utah as long as the soil is well draining and gets 6+ hours of sun.

This decorative grass is more than just nice to look at with its tightly rolled leaves and seeds that dance on their stalks, is it the top choice for a drought tolerant grass in native yards and a key species in reclamation projects.

Excellent at controlling all forms of erosion, it grows well in dry places within sandy soil that receive a minimum of 6 inches of annual precipitation and needs little attention once started

Indian Ricegrass creates a nice understory for flowers and forbs to thrive under. It spreads moderately but it is easy to manage by clipping/mowing before it seeds. This plant will only reproduce by seed.

Collected: Summit County, Utah

Wild/Nursery: Nursery

Seasonality: April-October

Germination: Easy to grow, you can start to plant and soon as the ground is workable by broadcasting or sowing 1/8inch deep. Fall sowing or 30+ days of cold stratification can help germination rates.