Herb: Sand Couch


Latin name: Elytrigia juncea


Synonyms: Elymus farctus


Family: Gramineae (Grass Family)



Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
60 cm
(2 feet)

Flowering:
July to
September

Habitat of Sand Couch:

Dry sandy soils.

Other uses of the herb:

Plants have an extensive spreading root system and are used to stabilize inland sand dunes, they tolerate salty conditions.

Propagation of Sand Couch:

Seed - sow mid spring in situ and only just cover the seed. Germination should take place within 2 weeks. If the supply of seed is limited, it can also be sown in mid spring in a cold frame. Only just cover the seed. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in summer Division in spring or summer. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Cultivation of the herb:

Dry sandy soils.

Medicinal use of Sand Couch:

None known

Known hazards of Elytrigia juncea:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.