Mountain Rice, Roughleaf ricegrass

Oryzopsis asperifolia

Physical Characteristics

Oryzopsis asperifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from April to July. 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. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Newfoundland to British Columbia, south to New York, West Virginia and Wyoming.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed - raw, cooked or ground into a meal. The seed is fairly large with a fine and abundant farina[2, 105], it can be ground into an excellent flour[85, 213]. A pleasant taste. The seed is difficult to harvest because it drops from the plant very easily[105].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known