Volga Wild Rye (Leymus racemosus)

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

Leymus racemosus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Sweet and tender. — 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.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry sandy soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)