Utah Symbols, Grass: Indian Ricegrass

Indian ricegrass, Oryzopsis hymenoides, a native perennial bunchgrass, was officially recognized as the Utah State Grass in 1990 (Utah Code). The Society for Range Management´s Utah Section began campaigning for a state grass in the mid-1980s and after studying many species the field was narrowed to four candidates: Indian ricegrass, bluebunch wheatgrass, galleta grass, and Great Basin wildrye. Indian ricegrass was then selected as the favorite. The state grass bill was introduced by Senator Alarik Myrin, a member of the Society, in 1989. It was also adopted as Nevada´s state grass in 1977.

This grass is a fine addition to any xeriscape and will grow quite large if given the room. The open, spangled appearance when in flower or fruit is very attractive, especially in backlight. In the past, the grass was used as a food staple by the Indians especially when the corn crop failed. Seed of the ricegrass was gathered and ground into meal or flour and made into bread.

Description: Indian rice grass a cool-season perennial bunchgrass. The ornamental seedheads of this grass can reach heights of almost a meter tall. The bell shaped bracts holding the seeds are its easiest recognized distinguishing characteristic.

Range: Widespread throughout dry areas in the west.

Culture: Found thriving in sandy, dry soils.

Value: The large, rice-like panicle seed head of indian ricegrass is a very striking, fine-textured addition to any landscape, with the best effect achieved by grouping a number of plants.

Propagation: Because it grows in such hot dry places, seed of Indian Ricegrass often needs an afterripening of 1 to 5 years. Many nurseries have used acid scarification to break the hard seed coat. To start seed indoors use a hot water soak of the hottest tap water for 72 hours. Sow in to container and cover to depth. Germination will be very sporadic from 15 to 60 days with many seeds not germinating at all. Placing container on a north face in the fall for the winter after the above treatment may give better results, light mulching is desirable. Seed may also be sown in the desired location. Use quite a number of seeds per site so you can get results faster. Sporadic germination will result over several years.