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Oryzopsis hymenoides

Common Name  Indian Ricegrass

Family           Poaceae

Description
Indian rice grass a cool-season perennial bunchgrass. The ornamental seedheads of this grass can reach heights of almost a meter tall. The bell shaped bracts holding the seeds are its easiest recognized distinguishing characteristic.

Range
Widespread throughout dry areas in the west.

Culture
Found thriving in sandy, dry soils.

Value
The large, rice-like panicle seed head of indian ricegrass is a very striking, fine-textured addition to any landscape, with the best effect achieved by grouping a number of plants.

Propagation
Because it grows in such hot dry places, seed of Indian Ricegrass often needs an afterripening of 1 to 5 years. Many nurseries have used acid scarification to break the hard seed coat. To start seed indoors use a hot water soak of the hottest tap water for 72 hours. Sow in to container and cover to depth. Germination will be very sporadic from 15 to 60 days with many seeds not germinating at all. Placing container on a north face in the fall for the winter after the above treatment may give better results, light mulching is desirable. Seed may also be sown in the desired location. Use quite a number of seeds per site so you can get results faster. Sporadic germination will result over several years.