Herb: Wood Millet


Latin name: Milium effusum


Synonyms: Millium effusum


Family: Gramineae (Grass Family)



Edible parts of Wood Millet:

Seed - cooked. Ground into a powder and used as a flour for making bread.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Perennial

Height:
100 cm
(3 1/4 foot)

Flowering:
May to
July

Habitat of the herb:

Damp shady woods, especially oak and beech, on heavy humus rich lime soils.

Other uses of Wood Millet:

Leaves (straw) are used for weaving hats etc. Plants have a running root system and can be used for ground cover. They should be mown 2 - 3 times in their first 2 - 3 years in order to encourage thick growth. Plants should be spaced about 30cm apart each way.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow spring in situ. Division in spring. Very easy, large divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Cultivation of Wood Millet:

Damp shady woods, especially oak and beech, on heavy humus rich lime soils.

Medicinal use of the herb:

None known

Known hazards of Milium effusum:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.