Indian Rice Grass-Acnatherum hymenoides

I've been hesitant about delving into the Grass Family (Poaceae) because there are so dang many of them, but maybe if I ease into it, it won't be so bad after all. Today's plant is one that is fairly easy to distinguish, Indian rice grass (Acnatherum hymenoides), formerly Oryzopsis hymenoides and Stipa hymenoides.

Indian rice grass is a perennial cool-season bunchgrass that grows in many places in western North America in a variety of habitats, but it does particularly well in sandy soils near sagebrush. As the name suggests, it is not only nutritious for wildlife and livestock, but also for humans.

This closeup shows the small seeds. Indian rice grass does well after fires and is also a good option for xeriscaping.

For more information about Indian rice grass, click here.