American Sloughgrass

Beckmannia syzigachne

Physical Characteristics

Beckmannia syzigachne is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can grow in water.

Distribution

Eastern Europe to central Asia and North America.

Habitats

Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Seed - cooked[2, 46, 61, 105, 161]. A mild flavour, it can be ground into a flour and used as a cereal. The seed is very small but is easily harvested[K]. It does then have to be separated from its husk, which is a very fiddly operation. Some N. American Indian tribes burn the husks of grass seeds[K]. Ripe grains (seeds)- Use: Cooked whole like wild rice or pounded into meal for porridge, flatbreads, or gruel. Flavor: Mild, nutty, cereal-like; similar to small wild rice kernels. Nutritional value: Not well-studied, but similar to other wetland cereals—moderate protein (~10%), complex carbohydrates (~70%), and trace minerals (Fe, Mg, Zn). Edibility rating: 3.5 / 5 — wholesome and palatable, though tedious to harvest [2-3]. Taste, Processing & Kitchen Notes: Harvest when seed heads begin to droop and turn golden-brown. Seeds fall easily when mature; hand-stripping or gentle beating into a canoe, basket, or tarp works well. Processing steps: 1. Dry the seed heads in the sun or over low heat. 2. Thresh by rubbing or treading to separate grains. 3. Winnow in light breeze to remove chaff. 4. Parboil or toast lightly before storage to improve flavor and reduce spoilage. 5. Cook like rice (simmer 20–30 min) or grind for meal. Taste is mild and starchy, similar to brown rice with a faint grassy aroma; texture tender but slightly chewy [2-3].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known