Couch Grass (Elytrigia repens)

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Elytrigia repens is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet flavour, though quickly becoming very fibrous, they are rather less than wonderful. — They can be dried and ground into a powder, then used with wheat when making bread.; Although thin and stringy, the roots contain starch and enzymes and are quite sweet.; When boiled for a long time to break down the leathery membrane, a syrup can be made from the roots and this is sometimes brewed into a beer.; The roasted root is a coffee substitute.

Habitat & North American Range

A common weed of gardens, fields, hedgerows and meadows. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)