Lyme Grass, Sand ryegrass

Leymus arenarius

Physical Characteristics

Leymus arenarius is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 2 m (6ft 7in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from September 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, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain and Siberia. N. America.

Habitats

Ground Cover;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed - cooked[2, 105]. It can be ground into a flour and used to make bread[13]. A delicious taste[183] but very fiddly to use, the seed is small and hard to extract[K]. When cooked like rice, it can be used as a sweet or savoury dish. Mixed 50/50 with wheat flour it adds a richness to biscuits etc[183]. The protein content of this grain is said to rival that of red beans or salmon[183]. (This report seems somewhat surprising, protein levels are not usually anywhere near that high in a cereal[K].)

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known