Mountain rye (Secale strictum) — Edible Plant

Summary

A perennial grass reaching 1.2 m (4 ft) tall and 0.3 m (1 ft) wide. Hardy to UK zone 3, not frost tender. Flowers June to August; seeds ripen August to September. Hermaphroditic, wind-pollinated. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils, preferring well-drained conditions across mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH. Requires full sun, prefers moist soil, and tolerates drought. Withstands strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Description

A perennial grass reaching 1.2 m (4 ft) tall and 0.3 m (1 ft) wide. Hardy to UK zone 3, not frost tender. Flowers June to August; seeds ripen August to September. Hermaphroditic, wind-pollinated. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils, preferring well-drained conditions across mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH. Requires full sun, prefers moist soil, and tolerates drought. Withstands strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Edible Uses

The seed can be used whole or ground into flour for making bread and similar foods. The seeds are somewhat smaller than those of S. cereale but are produced abundantly, though they are relatively difficult to extract from the glumes by hand.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Africa, Belgium, Europe, Iran, Iraq, Mediterranean, Middle East, Morocco, North Africa, Spain,

Propagation

Sow seed in March or October in situ, barely covering the seed. Germination should occur within two weeks. With limited seed, sow in pots in a greenhouse or cold frame in early spring, barely covering the seed. Prick out into individual pots as soon as large enough to handle and plant out in late spring or early summer. Divide in spring; larger divisions can go directly into permanent positions. Smaller divisions are best potted up and grown on in a lightly shaded cold frame until well established before planting out in summer.

Other Uses

None known

References (4)

Davies, C. L., Waugh, D. L. & Lefroy, E. C., 2005, Perenial Grain Crops for High Water Use. The case of Microlaena stipoides. RIRDC Publication No. 05/024
Fl. sicul. 46. 1826
Heywood, V.H., Brummitt, R.K., Culham, A., and Seberg, O., 2007, Flowering Plant Families of the World. Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. p 394
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/