Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum)

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Lolium multiflorum is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to September. 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. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

None known. — Harvested fresh in season according to PFAF botanical monograph.

Habitat & North American Range

Meadows, field margins and roadsides, avoiding acid soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)