| |
Illinois Native Plant Guide
Rice Cut Grass
Leersia oryzoides
Preferred Water Depth and Inundation Tolerance
Prefers moist to saturated soil. Young plants do not tolerate submergence for
longer than 2 - 3 days (Max: 8”/Min: saturated soil). Mature plants tolerate
seasonal to permanent flooding. This species also has an observed tolerance to
water level fluctuations.
Wildlife Value
Seeds and roots are eaten by waterfowl, rails, herons, and muskrats.
Songbirds also eat seeds. Plants provide cover for many reptiles, amphibians,
insects, and fish.
Application/Zone
Used in upper shoreline zones, for streambank stabilization, and in vegetated
swales. Provides good sediment stabilization.
Availability, Establishment, and Maintenance
- Seeds, rhizomes, rootstocks, and container grown plants are readily
available from several commercial vendors.
- Once source reports that fall seeding is preferred. Seed dormancy can be
broken by overwintering or by cold water stratification.
- Other sources report excellent greenhouse germination following cold, dry
storage.
- Temperature and light do not seem to affect seed germination.
- A low rate of establishment has been observed in restorations from seed.
- Rhizomes should be planted 2-5 inches deep on 1-3 foot centers in the
spring.
- Seeds, rootstocks, and rhizomes should be planted in saturated soil and
not inundated during establishment. Plants should attain a height of 4-6
inches before water level is gradually increased.
- Rate of spread is moderate to sometimes aggressive once plants are
established.
Rice Cut Grass
Leersia oryzoides
Mature Height![Rice Cut Grass](images/Pg101.jpg)
3-5 feet, erect or sprawling
Plant Type
Perennial emergent grass
Indicator Status
Obligate
pH
6.0-7.0
Nutrient Load Tolerance
Moderate to high
Salt Tolerance
Low
Siltation Tolerance
Moderate
Flowering Color and Time
Greenish white
June to October
Light Preference
Partial to full sun
Seeding Rate
.1 - .25 lbs/acre
The following document requires
Adobe Acrobat Reader:
npg_p100-101.pdf [PDF]
<Back to Plant Guide Index
<Back to Plant Guide Table of Contents
| |
|