Giant Wild Rye

Leymus condensatus

Physical Characteristics

Leymus condensatus is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. 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 and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Western N. America - Alberta to British Columbia, south to Nebraska, Arizona and California.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed - cooked[22, 46, 105, 161]. It can be ground into a flour and used to make bread[61, 95, 177]. The seed is rather small and rather difficult to extract[K].

Medicinal Uses

Ophthalmic A decoction or infusion of the leaves has been used as a wash for sore eyes[257]. The dried leaves have been used to scrape pimples from the underside of the eyelid[257].

Known Hazards

None known