Indian Ricegrass

Indian Ricegrass is a native, cool-season, perennial bunch grass.  It is a pioneer species, one of the first to colonize disturbed sites.  It is one of the best grasses to include in mixes for preventing wind erosion on disturbed sandy soils along with other species such as needle-and-thread grass.  Indian Ricegrass is nutritious and palatable for both livestock and big game year-round, although it is not considered valuable for hay production.  Its seeds are an important food  source for birds and rodents.  Indian Ricegrass can grow successfully at a range of altitudes from 2,000 to 10,000 feet and it typically does well on hot, dry southern exposures.  It tolerates saline soils.