Lyme Grass (Leymus arenarius)

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Leymus arenarius is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 2 m (6ft 7in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

delicious taste but very fiddly to use, the seed is small and hard to extract. — It can be ground into a flour and used to make bread.; A delicious taste but very fiddly to use, the seed is small and hard to extract.; When cooked like rice, it can be used as a sweet or savoury dish.; Mixed 50/50 with wheat flour it adds a richness to biscuits etc.

Habitat & North American Range

Dunes by the coast, often in association with Ammophila arenaria. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)