Mountain Rye (Secale strictum)

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

Secale strictum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August 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 and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Seed - used as a whole grain or ground into a flour and used for making bread etc. Somewhat smaller than the seed of S. cereale but produced abundantly. It is relatively difficult to extract the seed from the glumes by hand. — Seed - used as a whole grain or ground into a flour and used for making bread etc.; Somewhat smaller than the seed of S.; cereale but produced abundantly.; It is relatively difficult to extract the seed from the glumes by hand.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry stony or rocky mountain sides. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)