Mountain Rice (Oryzopsis asperifolia)

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

Oryzopsis asperifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from April to July. 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 and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasant taste. — Seed - raw, cooked or ground into a meal.; The seed is fairly large with a fine and abundant farina, it can be ground into an excellent flour.; A pleasant taste.; The seed is difficult to harvest because it drops from the plant very easily.

Habitat & North American Range

Open coniferous woods, thickets and peaty openings southwards from Canada. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)