Achnatherum hymenoides
Indian Ricegrass
Indian Millet
Sandgrass
Plant Family:
Poaceae
Grass
Flower:
Yellow
Blooms :
Jun
to:
Sep
Wide spreading panicle inflorescence with a single flower at the end of each hair-like branch
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
No
Foliage:
Green
Semi-Evergreen
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.
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.
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:
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
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
Indian ricegrass stands respond well to light irrigation and light fertilization
Mulch:
None
Long Term:
Winter:
Spring:
Cut back the foliage to about 4-6 inches in the spring before growth resumes. When foliage is removed, spring growth will begin earlier. Old foliage left on the plant can delay the crown?s warming and subsequent growth by as much as 3 weeks.
Summer:
Fall:
Grasses do not need to be cut down before winter. In fact, they are attractive when left standing and the foliage helps to insulate the crown of the plant.
Common Problems
Diseases:
Insects:
Grasshopper
Also called: