Herb: Volga Wild Rye


Latin name: Leymus racemosus


Synonyms: Elymus giganteus, Elymus racemosus


Family: Gramineae (Grass Family)



Edible parts of Volga Wild Rye:

Seed - used as a cereal substitute in some parts of Russia, especially in times of drought. The seed is rather small and difficult to extract. Young underground shoots - raw. Sweet and tender.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
120 cm
(4 feet)

Flowering:
July to
September

Habitat of the herb:

Dry sandy soils.

Other uses of Volga Wild Rye:

Plants have an extensive spreading root system and are used to stabilize inland sand dunes, though they do not tolerate salty conditions.

Propagation of the herb:

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 Volga Wild Rye:

Dry sandy soils.

Medicinal use of the herb:

None known

Known hazards of Leymus racemosus:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.