Poa fendleriana
(Steud.) Vasey
Mutton grass
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Summary
Source: WikipediaPoa fendleriana is a species of grass known by the common name muttongrass. It is native to western North America, where its distribution extends from western Canada to northern Mexico.
Description
Perennial grass reaching 0.5m tall. Dioecious species with separate male and female plants requiring both sexes for seed production. Wind-pollinated. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage in mildly acidic to basic conditions. Requires full sun and prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
The seed is edible cooked and has a mild flavour. It can be added whole to stews, or ground into a powder for use in breads, porridges, and dumplings. Considered a famine food, it is typically only used when other options are unavailable. The seed is notably small and fiddly to harvest.
Traditional Uses
The seeds are parched and ground and boiled and thickened and made into balls.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a temperate to tropical plant.
Where It Grows
Central America, Mexico, North America, USA,
Propagation
Surface sow seed in spring in a cold frame, keeping the compost consistently moist. Prick seedlings into individual pots once large enough to handle, and grow them on in the greenhouse through their first winter. Plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring is also straightforward — larger divisions can go directly into permanent positions. Smaller divisions are better potted up and grown on in light shade in a cold frame until well established, then planted out in late spring or early summer.
Other Uses
None known.
Notes
There are about 300 Poa species. They grow in temperate regions.
References (4)
- Beckstrom-Sternberg, Stephen M., and James A. Duke. "The Foodplant Database." http://probe.nalusda.gov:8300/cgi-bin/browse/foodplantdb.(ACEDB version 4.0 - data version July 1994)
- Moerman, D. F., 2010, Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press. p 420
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- U.S.D.A. Div. Bot. Bull. 13(2): t. 74. 1893
