Barnyard Millet, Barnyardgrass,

Echinochloa crus-galli

Physical Characteristics

Echinochloa crus-galli is a ANNUAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. 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 and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Native habitat is unknown but it is widespread in warmer regions occasionally introduced in Britain.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Shoots Edible Uses: Coffee Seed - cooked[35, 55, 105, 171]. Used as a millet, it can be cooked whole or be ground into a flour before use[183, 257]. It has a good flavour[85] and can be used in porridges, macaroni, dumplings etc[183]. The seed is rather small[159], though fairly easy to harvest. It has a somewhat bitter flavour[178]. Young shoots, stem tips and the heart of the culm - raw or cooked[144, 177]. A nutritional analysis is available[218]. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute[177].

Medicinal Uses

Styptic Tonic Reported to be preventative and tonic, barnyard grass is a folk remedy for treating carbuncles, haemorrhages, sores, spleen trouble, cancer and wounds[269]. The shoots and/or the roots are applied as a styptic to wounds[218, 240]. The plant is a tonic, acting on the spleen[218, 240].

Known Hazards

This grass has been reported to accumulate levels of nitrate in its tissues high enough to be toxic to farm animals[269]. This problem is most likely to occur when plants are fed with inorganic fertilizers[K].