Achnatherum hymenoides
Also called:
Indian Ricegrass
Indian Millet
Sandgrass
Botanical Description
Plant Family:
Poaceae
Semi-Evergreen
Grass
Oregon Native?
Yes
West State Native?
Yes
East of the Cascades from BC to CA, E to Manitoba, MN, Western KS, Western TX & New Mex.
Flower:
Yellow
Blooms from :
Jun
to:
Sep
Wide spreading panicle inflorescence with a single flower at the end of each hair-like branch
Foliage:
Green
Numerous, mostly basal, blades slender, rolled, often as long as the culms; sheaths fringed on one margin only; leaves rolled in the bud; ligules up to 3/8 inch long, membranous, pointed, sometimes split; auricle absent.
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
3
Water Needs:
VL
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
No
Firewise?
No
Height:
8-30"
Spread:
24-36"
Growth Rate:
Medium
Native Habitat:
Dry grasslands and deserts of the North American Intermountain basin: East of the Cascades from B.C. to CA, East to Manitoba, MN, western KS, western TX & northern Mexico
Soil Needs
Prefers sandy course textured soils in its southern areas of adaptation and can be found on sands, fine sandy loams, silt loams, clay loams, gravelly, rocky, to shale areas in the mid-northern areas of its adaptation
Fertilizer Needs:
Indian ricegrass stands respond well to light irrigation and light fertilization
Recommended Mulch:
None
Wildlife Uses
Attracts Pollinators?
No
Attracts Birds?
Yes
Supports Butterflies?
Yes
Wildlife use description:
For livestock and wildlife: highly palatable. It is a preferred feed for cattle, horses and elk in all seasons. It is considered a preferred feed for sheep, deer and antelope in spring and a desirable feed for sheep, deer, and antelope in late fall and wi