Green Bristle Grass (Setaria viridis)

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

Setaria viridis is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from August to October, 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 and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Seed. Small. It is used in the same ways as rice or millet, either boiled, roasted or ground into a flour. The seed (roasted?) is said to be a coffee substitute. — It is used in the same ways as rice or millet, either boiled, roasted or ground into a flour.; The seed (roasted?) is said to be a coffee substitute.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry places and cultivated ground. Mountain slopes, roadsides and grassy waste places throughout most of China. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)