Description

This decorative grass is more than just nice to look at with its tightly rolled leaves and seeds that dance on their stalks, is it the top choice for a drought tolerant grass in native yards and a key species in reclamation projects. Excellent at controlling all forms of erosion, and cold tolerant it is often seen growing with Juniper, Sagebrush, and Ponderosas. It grows well in dry places within sandy soil that receive a minimum of 6 inches of annual precipitation and needs little attention once started. 1-2.5ft tall. Hardiness zones 3-9. Grows at elevations of 2,000-10,000 feet The seeds start to ripen in early summer are relished by birds and small wildlife, and the forage by large wildlife. It also provides necessary cover for small animals such as gamebirds and rabbits. It is highly valued for wildlife habitat improvement. Seeds are ready to harvest once they easily shake off. Ricegrass creates a nice understory for flowers and forbs to thrive under. It spreads moderately easily but it is easy to manage by clipping/mowing before it seeds. This plant will only reproduce by seed. Easy to grow, you can start to plant and soon as the ground is workable by broadcasting or sowing 1/8inch deep. Usually mid march to mid April is a good time to start outdoors, and you can sow throughout the summer into fall for maturing Ricegrass until it snows. No stratification required and each bunch of grass will live a few years. Nezpar vs Paloma variety : Nezpar - The 'prettier' variety. Prefers a minimum of 8 inches of annual precipitation, in sandy soils above 5,000 feet. north of 40 degrees latitude. Plant in West, South, or South-West orientation above 6,000 feet. Grows 8-30 inches tall. Paloma - The 'drier' variety, very drought tolerant and heavily adapted to the Southwest/ 4 corner region. Prefers a minimum of 6 inches of annual precipitation, in a much wider variety of soils that Nezpar. Grows 12-24 inches tall.