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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Koeleria macrantha is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
K. cristata. K. gracilis. K. pyramidata. Aira cristata.
Habitats
Meadow; Cultivated Beds;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Seed
Edible Uses:
Seed - cooked. It is ground into a powder and eaten like porridge or used as a flour for making bread etc[105, 161, 177, 257].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Styptic
The plant has been used in the treatment of cuts[257].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Broom Brush
The leaf blades of the plant have been tied together and used as paintbrushes and brooms[257]. Bunches of the leaf blades, about 30cm long, have been tied with string or yucca fibre, and used as a scourer for cleaning pans etc[257]. The straw has been mixed with adobe to give strength and adhesion when building walls[257].
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Succeeds in most soils in a sunny position[1, 200]. Prefers a chalky soil[1]. Grows best in a soil that is not too fertile[200]. This is an aggregate species[50]. K. cristata is now divided into K. macrantha (which is also the name of the aggregate) and K. pyramidata (Lam.)Beauv. K. macrantha is native to Britain, K. pyramidata, which is found wild in meadows and wood margins, is native to much of mainland Europe[50].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Propagation
Seed - sow spring in situ and only just cover the seed[162]. Germination should take place within three weeks. Division in spring[162].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Plant Search
Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search
Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
(Ledeb.)Schult.
Botanical References
17200
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
Readers comment
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